Animates store opens in Whanga¯rei next month
The opening of an Animates store in central Whanga¯rei is getting closer, and the company is excited to be opening its doors at the end of next month.
The national animal care company announced in May it would be opening a store on Carruth St this year.
The former Toyota building opposite Pak’nSave has been undergoing a refurbishment over the past five months.
Animates events marketing manager Janelle Erickson said work had been progressing well on-site, and was due to be completed soon.
“Ready for us to start setting up the store in November.”
About two-thirds of the building has been painted yellow and a sign saying “Animates will be opening soon” has been erected.
In May, the company said there would be a “significant investment” to tailor the building to accommodate the store, a grooming salon and DIY dog-wash facility.
Erickson said plans for the store remained the same.
“The DIY dog wash starts from $10 and is perfect for pooches that need a clean after being at the park or the beach, or even just a regular shampoo. It’s so much easier than the bath or shower at home.”
“This destination for pets will also include dedicated carparking and be open seven days a week. All leashed pets are welcome to come shopping, too.”
On the Animates careers page, the new store is advertising for an assistant store manager and groomers and assistant groomers.
Erickson said the company was working through the recruitment process and would have a full team ready for opening. Animates occupies the end of the building nearest to Robert St.
The Northern Advocate understands Liquorland is relocating from its current site along Dent St to the new building alongside Animates.
Burger Fuel has been rumoured to be moving into the site. A spokeswoman said an announcement would be made if it decided to open an outlet in the city.
The 1600sq m building had been largely unused since July 2014 when Toyota relocated.