Workers find new home at iconic store
Phil and Julie at Norsewood’s New Zealand Natural Clothing were discussing finding new team members back in July.
They were aware of Envy shoes closing. Staff member Heather suggested Bev Craig after looking at an article in CHB Mail mentioning her eight years experience and that she lives locally.
It described the collapse of ladies’ fashion retailer Envy Brands and the impending closure of its Waipukurau store was to cost two staff their jobs.
It said for Bev Craig, manager of the company’s Waipukurau store for the past seven years, the liquidation of Envy Brands could not have come at a less opportune time.
She was due to celebrate her 60th birthday, the day after it was reported that all three of Envy’s retail outlets in Waipukurau, Hastings and Whakatane would be closing down, costing six staff their jobs, after the company went in to liquidation after 10 years of operating.
Bev drove 30 minutes from her home at Makotuku, near Ormondville, to go to work each day. Speaking from home while on a few days leave before her birthday bash at the local pub on Saturday night, a saddened Bev described the store as her “baby”.
“I am just grieving over the whole deal. And I sort of feel responsible, but I know I’m not.
“For me, I just want to thank my ladies who I’ve known all these years, for their loyalty and dedication to the store. They always shopped with me before they went anywhere else.”
Bev said she and her part-time staff member Penny Carnaby had continued to be paid and had been guaranteed by the liquidator they would receive any monies owing to them.
Though looking for a new job at 60 might be daunting for some, Bev said she had “years and years” of retail experience to draw on and was keeping her sense of humour.
“I keep asking my customers if they are rich and famous so they can buy the shop and I will run it for them. I’ve had lots of messages of love and support, and I’ve even had a couple of Lotto tickets given to me by my customers so I can buy it if I win,” she chuckled.
The loss of the store would not only be felt by her customers, but possibly other retailers along Ruataniwha St, she said.
■ Phil got on the phone to Bev and “boom” they had a new employee. From the sad CHB Mail story of Envy, is a happy story for NZ Natural Clothing and Bev to tell.
Joining Bev in the same week was Debbie, who after three years of tour guiding at Hobbiton Cambridge decided to buy a cottage and a bit of land in Norsewood and put the feelers out at the Norsewood cafe´ for work. Again, “boom”, thanks to putting it out there the cozy iconic store has two lovely ladies that have fit straight in!
‘For me, I just want to thank my ladies who I’ve known all these years, for their loyalty and dedication to the store.’ BEV CRAIG