CoroLife 64P 16SUM FIN-LR wLinksOPT-R

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Even “rest” is business.
Dave and Shirley
Wilson try out the
‘Stressless’ chairs in
their showroom.
Check out these
revolutionary chairs
yourself, found only
at Fagans on the
Coromandel.
or ema
insanely
good coffee
WINNER 15 NZ COFFEE AWARDS
the business through the recession; we took
a gamble, but it paid off. You have to back
yourself, to go for it.”
One decision they made during that time was
to split the flooring division from the main
store. Gradually acquiring an additional suite
of shops nearby on Albert Street, they were
able to provide a complete package of home
decor products and services that now included
The Tile Warehouse and Resene.
DIVISION OF LABOUR, WORK REWARDED
“We work 7 days a week. We’re a good mix and
work well together. We do still have to be hands
on as the business is continuing to grow”.
These days, Shirley and ‘her’ team run the
kitchenware, homewares, beds and furniture
side of the business from the main shop, while
a few blocks away, Dave and ‘his’ team run the
carpet, flooring, tiles, drapes and blinds as well
as the Resene Paint business.
Shirley freely admits that “Dave is the risk-taker,
the initiator” while she is the follower-and-doer.
In the 9 years they have ‘grown’ the business
from 9 staff members to 19, “investing not only
back into the business but also in employment
opportunities for the community...
“We have great staff – we are only as good as
our team”. They are justly proud that one team
member, young carpet layer Stafford Moody
(seen above right) won Apprentice of the Year
and the Overall Supreme Award for NZ in the
BCITO awards last year!
The valued team includes Maree Taylor (seen
far left in group photo) who has been with the
Wilsons over 8 years. “It has been great to be
part of Fagans’ evolution.” Maree helped Dave
and Shirley implement a stock management
and point of sale computer system, “bringing
Fagans into the 21st century, so to speak”, a
process that took several months.
There is always something new out there and
although you can’t stock everything Fagans
gives it a go. Therefore the store’s range of
stock is impressive! “Shoppers compliment the
vast and various range that we stock. We are
a bit like a department store within a store and
often get asked if Fagans has another store like
this in Auckland or other parts of NZ.”
Hard work has also brought other rewards
for the dedicated couple. Having met certain
sales targets, they were recently invited by
Danske-Mobler, prestigious Scandinavian
furniture makers, for an all-expenses-paid trip
to Denmark and Norway. “We visited furniture
stores and the Stressless factory, seeing the
latest trends and designs”. (Give yourself a
treat and sink into a Stressless chair on your
next visit to Fagans, see below.)
Notably, the 12 days was the longest spell they
have ever been away from the business. “We
do try to get away twice a year, but we enjoy
what we do! We wouldn’t do it otherwise”.
IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Following up on a staff suggestion of having
a Christmas Heirloom display this year, the
couple took the plunge and placed the magical
wonderland in the front window.
“It was well worth the outlay and risk – it has
been such a wow factor and drawcard” says
Shirley. “And most people come into the store
with a big smile on their faces. Next year we
are looking at creating a Christmas grotto at
the back of the store so that will be something
to look out for.
“We have also been busy using the display
as a charity fundraiser, holding demonstration
evenings on making wreaths, decorating trees
and more, with proceeds going to charities
such as Mercury Bay Area School Learning
Support”. This community-minded couple
sponsor other causes such as the golf course,
air ambulance and local schools.
In a twist of fate, Fagans will be “going right
back to where it started”. Following the
success of their ‘pop-up shop’ last year to
display outdoor furniture, Shirley and Dave
have done it again this summer – except the
shop will be in the original site of Fagans,
on Monk St. “After 22 years, furniture will be
back where it all started,” an excited Shirley
shares. “Quite a fitting tribute to Fagans early
beginnings!”
As for Dave and Shirley. ”We love it here. We might
buy a campervan one day but we will definitely
have our base here, it’s just so beautiful...”
POP UP...
BACK
TO THE
FUTURE
Staff member Stafford Moody with the Wilsons
and his BCITO award.
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