A major new hardware store has opened in one of Christchurch’s fastest growing suburbs, with the team behind Mitre 10 MEGA Prestons saying years of planning and hard work had gone into creating a store designed to feel calm, welcoming, and easy to shop.

Store Manager Jo Eddy said the opening marked the end of a long journey for the team.

“We are really proud of it. A lot of time and effort has gone into this, and we are so proud of what the team have done,” she said.

The Prestons store has been 10 years in the making, reflecting the rapid growth of the surrounding residential area and increasing demand for a full scale hardware and home improvement destination in the north of Christchurch.

Walking through the front doors, Eddy said the layout was intentionally designed to give customers a moment to pause.

“You have a moment as soon as you walk through the door just to stop and look around. You see the landing pad with outdoor furniture, you look left and there is a playground that is something special, and then you head straight down to the Columbus,” she said.

The in store playground features a large treehouse style structure complete with play equipment, giving families a space where children can play.

The Columbus cafe was described by Eddy as a destination in its own right.

“It has awesome food and you can come before or after shopping. It is a really relaxed setting and the coffee is outstanding,” she said.

Customers can also take their food and drinks into the garden centre, where seating is available among plants and outdoor displays.

“You can sit out there and have a coffee, which is great,” Eddy said.

She said the store had been built to cater not only to homeowners and families, but also to trade customers.

“We are really proud of the trade offering that we have for our customers. Anything we do not have here, we will get, and our Mitre 10 team will help out,” she said.

Mitre 10 is New Zealand’s largest home improvement retailer and operates as a co operative, with stores owned and run by local shareholders.

The brand employs thousands of people nationwide and continues to expand in areas experiencing strong population growth and housing development, including northern Christchurch.

The store’s grand opening weekend begins on Friday and runs across the long weekend, with a range of in store deals on offer.

Shoppers who spend $50 or more will go in the draw to win a share of $5,000 in store credit. There will also be giveaways and live demonstrations with Stan throughout the weekend.

Eddy encouraged locals to come in and experience the store for themselves.

“I love this store. If you are in the Prestons area, please come in and say hello to the team. You will not be disappointed,” she said.

Watch the video for a full walk through of the new store. Sponsored.