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rolling back the years

3 4 What happened in the industry, as seen through the eyes of Wares magazine, 10, 15 5 and 20 years ago? Merv Robertson reports. APRIL/JUNE – By 1999 Whirlpool was making Hail to the chief – It’s always progress with an aim “to be the an occasion when a supplier’s 99 09 market leader in New Zealand.” It international chief comes to our was a mark of its aggressive intent shores and Nilfisk-Advance was that the brand bought five pages in thrilled to welcome Ole Jakobsen Wares to tell its story, an inside front who was Global President and CEO cover for microwaves and a four page of the mother ship, Nilfisk-Advance advertorial. A/S in Brøndby. 20 years ago – We were reintroduced to the Ole hosted a dealer lunch for the New Zealand front line team of 1. Whirlpool’s company’s leading resellers, both April-June 1999 Calvin Sandford (“Where are they 1999 front line in consumer and commercial & now?” June 2012) who led the side team comprised industrial. (L-R) Calvin The rumour mill – In our world 20 as Country Manager, Alan Dalton Sandford, Chris He spoke of the group’s goal years ago, the magazine had been as Account Manager Lower North McKee and Alan of becoming the world’s leading busy sorting through a plethora of Island and Chris McKee who Dalton. supplier of professional equipment 2. Welcoming the “rumours, innuendo and outright covered the South Island in a similar Nilfisk-Advance then announced that in the 1998, speculation” from in and around the role. global boss (L-R): Australasia had been the leading industry. For some years now, Calvin Merv Robertson; region for the Nilfisk brand in Ole Jakobsen; Phil Such snippets included the has had his own company, Gregg; Alister consumer. rumour of the sale of Bond & Bond ActionCOACH, Alan is GM Cotter; Dennis “In New Zealand,” he went on,” by PRG to Roger Bhatnagar and Australia & New Zealand for Amiss. our growth in domestic was 47.5% Greg Lancaster no less, a decade Home Care and Small 3. From June 1999 over 1997, so to our dealer associates, Group SEB’s Deane after they got shot of Noel Leeming Domestic Appliances and Chris Westwood, and thank you for your great support.” to the Murray Group. is MD and owner of Jalmac Sales Ecco MD, Howard Nilfisk has just recently Of course, that never happened & Marketing, a sales agency and Mackley, talk announced it would be pulling out about new Tefal and it would be several years before a importer which manages sales for and Rowenta of the consumer market here major brown goods brand supplied Sharp NZ and Arisit NZ, and is products. The Warehouse, despite the rumours the importer and distributor for 4-5. April 1999’s Out of the frying pan… – These of the time. ACQUA refrigeration, Sensibo movers & shakers days Groupe SEB in New Zealand included Errol Wi-Fi heat pump controllers and McKenzie and comprises Darryl Brown as Country Whirlpool makes a big entry MAP Coffee. Brett McMeekin. Manager and Bronwyn Muldrew as

26 wares.co.nz May 2019 Account Manager. Retravision retrospective – Errol keeps himself busy these But, 20 years back, Deane Retravision’s 1999 Australasian days as a Director, along with wife Westwood was the man in charge conference was staged in Canberra Sarah, at Futurescape Global as with new Tefal and Rowenta with approximately 700 delegates in well as partnerships in MMD, products ready for release through attendance. Viaduct Quay Holdings and Amam Ecco (NZ), led by Howard Mackley, Rex Gibson of Gibson Retravision Consultants (not to mention the with a CV that also included Swatch in Rangiora carried the torch at the golf). telephones and Bosch GSM mobile “sports day” at Australia’s Institute Brett has worked for Lion Nathan phones. of Sport which was won by Victoria/ and Telecom since he left and Today, Deane is Sales Manager Tasmania. most recently was National Events at Coffee Biz NZ, marketing Jura Retravision had grown to Director for Fairfax Media. He has domestic and commercial coffee- impressive proportions after 40 years been enjoying a well-earned break making machines plus Necta of existence with Kiwi Chairman, in Mount Maunganui with a plan to automatic coffee vending machines, 1-2 . Mason Rob Duckworth, numbering 43 move back to Auckland in the near while Howard is Director at Novo, Appliances’ Brian identified Retravision stores in New future. Give him a call on 021 814 an import/distribution business Mason and Robbie Zealand including five new members 583. Peel accept the catering to commercial and June 1999 following the implementation of a domestic electrical contractors and Sunbeam Award new structure and associated new electricians. for Excellence in policies. Retailing from Sunbeam’s Greg These days, Rex is an 15 years ago – New Plymouth’s finest – In retail, Stevens and Fiona International Employment the Sunbeam Award for Excellence in McKinnon. Consultant at Business Immigration April-June 2004 Retailing went to Mason Appliances 3-5. Retravision’s in Christchurch while Rob is 1999 Australasian in its impressive New Plymouth conference was busy investing in and developing Sunbeam’s extra dimension – premises. held in in commercial and domestic properties Special 3D glasses were provided so Brian Mason and Robbie Peel Canberra with (not to mention the golf). we could read the blurred headline some 700 were on hand to accept the award delegates; Rex message on Sunbeam’s special Wares from Sunbeam’s Greg Stevens and Gibson carried the Movers & Shakers – Philips front cover. Fiona McKinnon. torch at the announced Errol McKenzie as The headline said: “Sunbeam “sports day” and Speaking with Wares at the here’s Rex today, Director, on top of his duties as presents a clear vision of the future presentation, Brian’s comments at the last Joseph GM Consumer Electronics; the in beverage sales”… and was were typical of the attitude and Parker fight, company also announced that Brett designed to celebrate a new juicer, flanked by sons atmosphere prevailing in our Riley (left) and McMeekin was the new Marketing two kettles, a drip-filter coffee maker, industry back then. Casey. Manager Consumer Electronics. a one-touch espresso machine and He said: “We love serving the people of New Plymouth. It’s not a matter of getting up and doing a day’s work, it’s about enjoying the day’s work. And when customers come into our shop we want them to enjoy the part of their day they spent with us.” Nowadays Brian is with Property 1 2 Brokers in Hawkes Bay and Robbie is retired after spending eight years at Harvey Norman. Greg and his partner Lisa own Civic Video in Whitianga, half of which they have converted into a homeware outlet called Civic Style Homeware. No sign of Fiona. 3 4 5

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Rolling back the years

the crowning glory, a 15 bar pump of Auckland University’s 2019 appliances. espresso machine. Distinguished Alumni! Paul Holdsworth was Salton’s In terms of Whirlpool New New Zealand National Sales Promotional hot potato – A Zealand, Matt Sinclair was Manager back in the day and no-holds-barred editorial had appointed GM, charged with he took the corporate message a look at “pork barrel”, or “wing setting up a small team dedicated to tirelessly across our country, walking” advertising, that perennial supporting the brand. thereby ensuring the global success promotional hot potato which is Matt had been with the company was reflected here. slightly on the side of dodgy when it since 1995, most recently as Product In 2004 Paul took himself off 1-2. 15 years ago comes to representing price savings. Marketing Manager based at the Matt Sinclair to Sydney where Big George was The New Zealand Herald had run Dunedin dishwasher plant, then in looked after cooking up a storm for invited guests a piece headed “Retailer’s ads not 2006 he transferred to the States. Whirlpool for at the Park Royal and had this to say Fisher & Paykel. all they seem” after the Consumer’s These days Matt is General These days Matt is on his return: “George’s enthusiasm Institute had done some digging Manager – Canada for Fisher & General Manager for the grill and roasting machine and the “greyhound of fair trading Paykel Appliances, having previously – Canada for was exceptional. It was great to see Fisher & Paykel superheroics” – the Commerce held various roles out of Huntington Appliances. the man himself, with the products Commission – had opened an Beach California, the most recent he obviously has such a passion for.” investigation into one retailer’s being Vice President Sales, North 3. From 2004, Today, Paul is Sales Manager Salton’s Paul practices. America. Holdsworth is at Speed Queen (allegedly “the Nothing’s changed there, by the In January next year, Matt will “grilled” by the largest manufacturer of commercial look of things. achieve 25 years’ service with the one and only laundry equipment on the planet”), George Foreman... company. while George is an ordained minister, Passing the baton – In 2004, the 4-5. 15 years ago, author, and entrepreneur and both Whirlpool brand’s baton was passed Stick em up! – As a boxer, George Gary Pyes 1OO% he and Salton have done very well Your Electric Store to Fisher & Paykel, whose MD at the Foreman was pretty handy, but was our JVC from their 24-year partnership. time was John Bongard. in 1995 he began a relationship Retailer of the Fast forward 15 years and our with Salton which saw the George Month. Late last A bigger slice of Pye – 15 years ago, year, Gary retired congratulations go to John, ONZM, Foreman Grill become virtually a and sold the Gary Pyes 1OO% Your Electric who’s recently been named one generic name for household grilling business. Store was named JVC Retailer of the Month, 25 years after Gary Pye first opened in Waiuku South Auckland and he put the team’s success down to “pushing the point of difference”. Gary recalled challenging and changing times. No longer were there fishing rods and reels or other 2 seasonal items. There were plenty of plasma TVs though, and heaps of other TVs, projectors, DishDrawers, refrigerators, laundry and cooking appliances and more filling the shop. 1 3 “People may tell you we’re lucky to have little competition in Waiuku,” he told Wares, quickly qualifying with: “I wish! We are 20 minutes from Manukau City and 30 from Botany Downs and we compete directly with dealers in those places. Consumers presume they can bet better prices and a wider selection. 4 5 “Here though, the deal, the

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2 3 4 5 6 7 8 package, the hassle-free service and 1. Appnet went activity would enhance the Betta amalgamation of the consumer and the store personality wins every day.” north for its 2004 Electrical image. air conditioning businesses. conference– in Late last year, Gary Pye decided fact to Norfolk Do check out Warren’s book at Both are still at BDT (both having to retire and sell the business. It is Island, and www.warrenbrewin.com taken time out / left and returned), now managed by Shailza Walia, the dressed as Business Strategy Manager and accordingly… new entity being jointly owned by Movers & Shakers – 15 years ago, Marketing Manager respectively. 2-8. Some familiar Shailza’s husband, Gaurav Khurana faces were moving there were movers & shakers aplenty, Rachael Ash was the latest and her brother, Saurabh Walia. & shaking, this including a new Consumer Division recruit at JVC, as Central Region time 15 years ago. at Tech Pacific comprisingMelanie Area Manager, whilst at Salton, The island life – Appnet went north Wrann as Marketing Manager, Rick Jon Gibson was a new Sales for its 2004 conference– in fact to Jansen as Divisional Manager and Executive, alongside Paul Tweedale Norfolk Island, where GM, Warren Steve Meadows as Sales Manager. the company’s first South Island Brewin, outlined the strategic focus We now find Melanie at Ingram Account Executive. Lisa Buscomb for the ensuing 24 months. Micro NZ, where she is General was also introduced as Groupe SEB’s In his opening address he Manager of the Volume Business Trade Product Manager. reported that sales at Betta Electrical Unit, Rick is Senior Manager at Rachael is now with the and Kitchen Things (yes Kitchen Dove Electronics and Steve is renowned Weta Workshop as Things) had grown by 13.8% and Ops Manager at Forbes & Davies, Global Sales Manager, Jon is Owner/ 16.7% respectively in the last year, wholesaler of motorcycle & powers Operator of Liven Up Electrical & testimony to Appnet’s “clearly ports supplies. Property Services in Auckland, Paul defined brand strategies and strong In 2004 BDT welcomed back is a Christchurch-based Territory supplier support”. Kate Gibson into the role of Sales Manager with CDB Goldair and Lisa Warren was confident that & Marketing Manager for OEM has a business called Shine Tees Co. the further development of the Products and announced that Cliff Carr heads up Sunbeam NZ “Generation 2” large format store Trish Stenzel would be involved these days but 15 years ago, Wares concept and increased promotional in the transition that followed the announced his appointment as

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Rolling back the years

HWI’s Sales Manager, while Chris the passing of a much loved industry and view the Gallery, and also meet McKee had taken the position of captain, Wayne Burton. Dr .” New Zealand Sales & Business Wayne had been tragically struck Miele renamed the Gallery “Miele Manager at Electrolux Floorcare and killed by a car just days after Experience Centre” and shifted it to and Consumer Outdoor Products, the February issue of Wares went the current College Hill location in following his time at Whirlpool (as to print, as he walked with his wife, October 2013. mentioned earlier in this article). Heather. Last year, after a decade plus Rounding out this review were Described as a “leader, a mentor, looking after Miele (with Miele some new appointments at Monaco a gentleman and a friend,” he was itself and at Steelfort before that), Corp. Desleigh Jameson took up the inducted posthumously into the Brian and his wife Vicki moved role of Product Channel Manager Industry Hall of Fame at the Wares to Wellington and, once they have Multi Media, Michelle Bushett Awards in November 2010. everything “shipshape”, Brian became Sales & Marketing Manager reckons it’ll be time for a new Casio, Lee James, after five years’ Not retailers, Chartered Agents – challenge... service took up the challenge of Miele bucked the traditional way in Product Manager for GE and AEG which suppliers conducted business Heathcote’s The Base – Hamilton- and Diana Pauling moved into when the highly innovative Miele based Heathcote Appliances a role as Product Manager Casio Gallery opened in Mt Wellington (Heathcote & Wills 10 years ago) Timepiece. and dealers were encouraged to refer opened for business in Morrinsville Having been a judge at the Wares customers direct to the manufacturer in 1964 and today stands tall as Awards and then CEO of Retail for expert guidance. one of the few truly successful Institute, Desleigh is now a Director In fact, the term “dealer” became independent businesses in our at Gubb & Hardy, a wholesale rather obsolete as the appointed marketplace. contributory mortgage company, reseller network were called “Miele Ten years ago, the new flagship Michelle is Commercial Manager at Chartered Agents” and every store, 1OO% Heathcotes Te Rapa, L’Oréal Luxe NZ, Lee is GM at Filta customer signing up to buy a Miele was the subject of the Energywise New Zealand and Diana prefers to appliance in the Gallery was in fact Focus on Retail. stay under the radar. routed through the referring retail The manager was (and still is) outlet or, in the case of “cold” clients, Alan Dunnett and he had this to say: the retailer of choice. “Our store is unique. We aim to offer 1. 10 years ago we 10 years ago – Dr Marcus Miele, the fourth were sadly our customers the best merchandise generation family owner, flew in marking the and trends throughout the country. April-June 2009 especially for the opening, at which passing of Wayne It’s all about the customer experience Burton. National Sales Manager, Brian Scott, and we want to stand out from our 2. Wares became a Go well, Wayne – Around this time told Wares: “This was an opportunity second generation competitors.” 10 years back we were sadly marking for our specialist dealers to come in business in 2009. John Heathcote added: “As Hamilton was growing steadily north, with The Base as a shopping destination, we felt the need to have a footprint at each end of the city and The Base was the obvious choice as it’s where everyone goes.” Alan was named Retailer of the Year at the 2017 Wares Awards.

Movers & Shakers – There were several movers & shakers this time a decade ago, starting with Peter Drummond, who was named as Executive Chairman of Appliance Connexion, having assumed the role of acting Chief Executive on the death of Wayne Burton.

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Peter remains Chairman and in 1-2. When the has the dual roles of National Key innovative Miele fact, celebrated 20 years with ACL Gallery opened in Account Manager and Business Well, that’s it from me – I’ve been on 1 March this year, along with Mt Wellington 10 Development Manager Small in and around the appliance and Bryce Purdy (GM Merchandising years ago, Miele Appliance at BSH Home Appliances. consumer electronics industry for Chartered Agents & Marketing), joining Nikki were encouraged Francis File became New the thick end of 50 years one way Shutkowski (Group GM) who to refer customers Zealand Sales & Manager CE, IT or another and the last almost 9½ reached that milestone in June last direct to the & Appliances at Samsung, Mike years of being a regular contributor manufacturer for year. expert guidance. Johnston was named Country to Wares in retirement have been a Congrats to all three – this 3. Farmers was Manager and at BDT Nicole huge blast for me and an absolute industry does that to you. ahead of the game Williams was appointed Marketing privilege. 10 years ago, James Smith in 2004 with its Manager. My thanks to Simon and Steve reusable bags-for- was introduced as ’s charity scheme. Today, Francis is Agile Chapter for the opportunity and their Promotions & Advertising Manager; 4-9. Another fine Lead Product & Propositions at ongoing support and of course now with several years as an array of those who Spark New Zealand (great job title!), to you the readers for showing indepedent marketing consultant were moving & Mike plies his trade at Wordcom sufficient interest in an old man’s shaking 10 years under his belt, he’s Director and ago. Direct Marketing where he is nostalgia to keep the past alive for co-owner of Xennial the Marketing Owner/Director and Nicole used the just a little while longer. Specialists at www.xennial.co.nz experience and passion for marketing I leave you with this: “People At the same time, we saw Callum she gained at BDT to move into a do business with people, not Dodunski promoted to the position product career. She is currently on corporations.” of Philips’ Manager Marketing maternity leave from her role at Trade At least, that was how it used to Peripherals & Accessories; he now Me as Head of Product. be.

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