What our clients say.
25 stores and counting – Mountain Warehouse’s impressive expansion with Retail Connection
From urban shopping centres to small tourist towns, the Mountain Warehouse brand has quickly become a ubiquitous player in the Kiwi outdoor goods market. Over the last five years, Retail Connection has led the fit-out process from start to finish for 25 Mountain Warehouse store locations.
The journey has been swift, thanks to the motivation and vision of Mountain Warehouse’s leaders and the smooth, value-driven delivery of Paul Trevallion and Sarah Ward at Retail Connection. Here’s more about what we’ve all learned over the course of this long partnership – and what it’s meant for the growth of Mountain Warehouse.
Helly Hansen: Retail success from Norway to New Zealand
As an outdoor equipment retailer with strong European roots, Helly Hansen knew their brand had huge potential in the Christchurch market – a world-renowned hub for locals and tourists exploring the South Island. But opening a store across the ditch takes a whole lot more than just seeing a market opportunity. Without local Kiwi industry experience, Helly Hansen’s team knew there was a long list of unknowns ahead of their fit-out project – so they engaged Retail Connection to make it happen.
The fit-out journey: Shoe Clinic, Auckland
If ever you’re needing expertise on shoes in Auckland, Mike Lilley is the person you’d want to call. Mike opened the Ponsonby Shoe Clinic in 2009, after years of experience with Asics in Australia. He’s spent his entire career getting to understand the ins and outs of footwear, customer service, and what really matters in the shoe retail market.
“Retail Connection has been invaluable to helping getting Mountain Warehouse of the ground in New Zealand. As an international retailer we face many struggles when entering a new market, one of which is finding a retail project manager that knows what they are doing!
Paul at Retail Connection certainly does know what he is doing, his knowledge of local regulations and in market contacts make him a great choice as a project manager.
Pauls attention to detail and ability to be resourceful is key, every request or challenge is met with positive and “can do” attitude and every project is always delivered on time to a high standard. Pauls transparency with pricing and negotiation on our behalf takes the strain out of the knowing you’re getting the best price in an unknown market.
We have total confidence in Retail Connection and would highly recommend them to anyone.”
-Dave Harvey , Retail Director - International, Mountain Warehouse
“Max had a significant network upgrade requirement in recent years and prior to having Paul on board – we experienced significant issues with vendor management and overall project cost containment. Having Paul on board bought significant cost savings to Max, vendor selection and management improved, offshore sourcing commenced and the number of refits greatly increased. Despite the many tangible benefits Paul bought to Max.
The biggest benefit is Paul’s consistent positive attitude. Paul works hard, totally owns his results, managed many difficult situations with professionalism, candour and humility. “
-Simon West, Director, Max Fashions
“I’ve worked closely with Paul for a number of years delivering many new stores and store refurbishments for some of the best national retailers. Paul would be my go-to project manager every time.
Paul is a very capable, well liked, calm and experienced professional who will always go above and beyond to deliver on time, every time. “
- Peter James, Director, Retail Leasing Services Ltd
