Technology and computing retailer PBTech says its new South Dunedin store is on track to be one of the company\u2019s “most anticipated openings yet”.<\/p>\n
The new store, on the corner of Hillside Rd and Rankeilor St, is scheduled to open late next month.<\/p>\n
PBTech chief executive Gary Bigwood said opening a new store in Dunedin had been in consideration for a few years and would add to its two other South Island branches, both in Christchurch.<\/p>\n
Customers had been asking them to open a store in Dunedin for years and the company was “thrilled” it was finally happening, Mr Bigwood said.<\/p>\n
“From what we\u2019ve seen on social media, this could be one of our most anticipated store openings yet.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re expecting a strong response, even from people who haven\u2019t shopped with us before.”<\/p>\n
The IT retailer has been teasing the announcement of a new store in the city since May this year.<\/p>\n
A post by the company\u2019s social media account on Facebook with the sole word “Dunedin” has racked up more than 500 likes to date.<\/p>\n
There was a lot of excitement in Dunedin, especially from existing customers, Mr Bigwood said.<\/p>\n
He confirmed the new store would be located at 127 Hillside Rd and was expected to open late next month.<\/p>\n
They were aiming to employ at least 12 staff members. Some locals had already accepted jobs and would head to Christchurch for training.<\/p>\n
It is not the first time the company has had a presence in the city.<\/p>\n
More than 20 years ago, a franchise under the PB Technologies name had operated in Dunedin but ceased trading and rebranded years ago, Mr Bigwood said.<\/p>\n
“We regularly review our store network and identified Dunedin as a great opportunity some time ago.<\/p>\n
“We already have a significant business with Dunedin customers via our online store, but the timing is right to bring the full PBTech experience to Otago.”<\/p>\n