Whitcoulls Flying High as Network Expands

Whitcoulls Flying High as Network Expands

New Zealand’s best-loved book store Whitcoulls is spreading its wings and expanding its airport presence around the country.

Three new stores are planned for Christchurch Airport alone, the number of stores at Auckland Airport has grown to five, Wellington Airport has two and the network’s first regional airport store opened last month in Rotorua.

“With the Rugby World Cup looming, The Hobbit about to get underway and recovery in numbers of tourists arriving from Asia, our airport presence is proving a gateway to strong growth,” said Peter Kalan, New Zealand Managing Director for REDGroup Retail, which owns Whitcoulls.

He said Whitcoulls would open an international airside store at Christchurch Airport in January, followed in March by a large anchor Whitcoulls landside store serving both domestic and international customers.

“We are the premier book stores in New Zealand and the clear leaders in travel for this sector. All up, our new stores will provide about 40 new jobs for Cantabrians and a great new shopping experience for visitors to the airport,” said Kalan.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult said, “We’re delighted to have such a high-profile and successful retailer at our airport. The new Whitcoulls stores will offer customers an expanded range of books and magazines in over 400sq metres of retail space.”

The expansion takes REDGroup Retail’s network in New Zealand to more than 80 outlets.

“With the economic recovery underway, the success of our travel strategy at airports and our rapidly-growing e-commerce offering, REDGroup Retail is definitely poised for stronger growth as we head into 2011 and beyond,” Kalan said.

ENDS

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