20 Sep Bigger and better for Torpedo 7 Petone
Petone in Wellington just became a red-hot destination with the opening of a brand-new Torpedo 7. The store is a new concept for the outdoor adventure brand, boasting a ‘spec’d up’ look that is the first of its kind in New Zealand. The materials, layout, and finishes are all different from what you might find at another store in the chain – so naturally, Datum was keen to be part of the team that would deliver such a unique space.
Sarah Ward, Project Manager at Retail Connection, was responsible for the delivery of the entire store. Having worked with the Datum team on previous fit-outs, Retail Connection’s Director Paul Trevallion was happy to have them on board. “We have a good relationship with the Datum crew, who have a lot of experience in the industry,” he says. “Obviously we go through a tender and evaluation process, but with Datum Projects we know we will get quality workmanship at a competitive price.”
Pushing the envelope with a new design meant the project threw up a few curve balls. Sarah admits there were a few challenges, but nothing they couldn’t overcome. “You’ve got COVID in the mix, supplier material issues, bad weather pushing timelines for things like painting the exterior. However, adapting to these challenges, in some ways, it’s a standard, everyday part of life now.” She notes that working as part of a team is made easy with Datum. “We’re all focused on the same end goal, and we know what it takes to achieve it.”
At around 2000 sqm, the space was the biggest fit-out yet for Datum’s Project Manager, Dan Stil. “It was a massive amount of floor space to fill,” he chuckles. “All our joinery came from our Auckland base in about 20 trucks. In fact, for this job I had one full-time driver making regular trips back and forth.” Because they had so much space to work with, Dan was also able to leave a forklift on site. This made receiving and unloading deliveries that much quicker, saving on man hours and budget.
The fit-out itself features several standout items, including planter boxes built around a real tree inside the store. There are also cut timber logs in the entranceway, along with a rendered texture wall. Those familiar with a Torpedo 7 store might be used to seeing the bike workshop tucked away unobtrusively at the rear. Here, the workshop has large glass windows, acting as a ‘theatre’ setting for customers to view and be part of what is happening. Plenty of real plants enhance the natural, outdoorsy vibe, making it a delightful place to browse and shop – the ‘destination’ feeling achieved.
It’s fair to say everyone involved in its design and delivery is chuffed with the new store. Staff and customer feedback is positive as well. Dan from Datum is over the moon with the result. “Even though it was a huge site which involved lots more work, everything went pretty smoothly,” he says proudly. The light, bright space is a testament to great design and another fabulous fit-out ticked off for the Datum crew.