Book and stationery retailer Paper Plus has unveiled a new concept store in Christchurch designed to optimise customer experiences.

The Barrington Mall store is the flagship premises in the first phase of a transformation project underway at Paper Plus.

According to Paper Plus, the new outlet is designed around multiple ‘experiential zones’ targeted at adults and children. These include spaces to personalise products, try the range of stationery and play with latest games and toys. It also includes a community calendar to show local events and a mini-library where customers can exchange books with other community members.

Sam Shosanya, Paper Plus Group CEO, said the project is their way to innovate and sharpen their focus on the unique selling points which distinguish on-premise shopping from online stores.

“This is an exciting time to be in bricks and mortar retail,” Shosanya said. “The game is changing, and Paper Plus is evolving to deliver experiences which customers find welcoming and which encourage them to spend more time in- store.”

With 115 stores nationwide, Paper Plus Group has designed a ‘kit of parts’ which equips franchise owners to cost-effectively convert their outlet to a concept store. This approach provides for customisation, with individual store owners able to select options which are most relevant for their customers’ and budget.

“The ‘kit of parts’ is flexible to meet different retail formats and takes into account Paper Plus’ innovative offerings, too,” Shosanya said.

The group has also developed joint ventures including an in-house publishing business (in partnership with industry publishing expert, Bill Honeybone) and a wholesale sourcing business with United Sourcing Group.