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Twelve years as the
GB mascot
Fonzie, a miniature schnauzer, has been the
Guthrie Bowron Whitianga mascot for as long
as they have owned the business. “I think he
was about 10 months old when we first came
here,” recall owners Julian and Rachael Lee.
“Then he had lots of energy, and we had to
tie him up”, says Rachael. “He’s just over 12
now, and the older he gets, the less often this
somewhat grumpy old man with the gentle soul
chooses to listen!”
“In the toy area, old Fonzie helps entertain the
little animal lovers – he would rather run and
hide away from the kids who aren’t.” Look at
the store’s FB page to watch a video of Julian
running dog tricks with a v ery energetic Fonzie.
Rachael says they leave him at home more
often these days, especially on busy Saturdays.
When customers ask for him the staff explain
that he’s having his day of rest. “Not that his
job was ever that demanding!”
Even though he had ‘the snip’ years ago,
Rachael admits that he has been the cause of
many a miniature schnauzer popping up in the
local community. “People love him and decide
they’d like a Fonzie too!”
WHAT’S NEW...
Guthrie Bowron was recently honoured with a
Special Commendation in the Retail Category
of the Coromandel Hauraki Business Awards.
Fonzie... A Whitianga Star
Our advertisers make Coromandel Life magazine possible, so it’s nice to occasionally return
the support by acknowledging their achievements.
Both these businesses won prestigious rewards recently, but they would rather showcase the
beloved pets that faithfully follow them to work most days.
Other Coromandel ‘shop pets’ we know include friendly Chai, the black puss at Hot Waves
Café, winning many hearts over her 14 years there, the ever-popular Max at The Pour House in
Hahai, and Carson, the black lab at Carson’s Bookshop in Thames. Do you know others? -TD
Over the years
they have also won
several nationwide
awards as well: GB
Supreme Store of the
year 3 times, Dulux
Trade Depot of the year twice, Flooring Store of
the Year 5 yrs in a row and Window Fashions
Store of the year, plus many finalist awards
(basically runnerup) in all the above categories.
With the new store having more space, GB is
better set up to run events at the shop. “This
year we’ve had a few Dulux and Porters trade
events”, shares Julian, “and a successful
‘Business After 5’ night for members of the
Mercury Bay Business Association.”
They has lined up several ‘how to’ workshops
covering flooring, drapery, paint, wallpaper and
interior decor. ‘Paint 101–Learn the
Basics’ is set for 29 Nov. And look for
them at the Great Outdoors & Bach Life
Expo 29 Dec at Pauanui.
We hear Fonzie is already putting together
his Christmas costume to play his part
under their annual GB ‘Gifting by Giving’
Christmas Tree. These donations will be
given to Whitianga Social Services for
distribution just prior to Xmas.
The Guthrie Bowron Whitianga staff celebrate the Special Commendation (Retail) they received in the recent
Coromandel Hauraki Business Awards.
604 Port Road, Whangamata | 07 865 8824
33-35 Albert Street, Whitianga | 07 866 2270
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WATERFRONT LOCATION
10 The Esplanade, Whitianga
• Home of the NZ’s award winning
milkshakes – 2 years running
• Homemade pies, cakes and pastries
• 25 flavours of gourmet ice cream
• Enjoy an Espy “High Tea”
• Available for private functions
Breakfast all day...
VOTED NO 1 CAFE
in Whitianga on Trip Advisor
07-866-0778
Exclusive
supplier
of Santos
coffee
Shop mascot
Fonzie in
company
colours!
“People love
him and decide
they’d like a
Fonzie too!”