Why did TRM tourists choose the Turangi Hospice Shop to win the Top Tourist Shop award?
At last, as promised by SWMBO before the long weekend shopping spree… After several months of polling TRM inmates and tourists, this was a complete surprise to some of us. Of all the touristy retail shops in Turangi, who would have believed that an op-shop would be the favourite? I had never even been inside the Turangi Hospice Shop or any other Op-shops, so I was intrigued – why was it so popular? One TRM contributor (who selected the pie shop and Red Cross op-shop as favourites for her weekly visit) alerted me how important “Op Shops” are as follows:
“Do you know that Op-shopping is a serious sport.. its
TRM guests – tourists and wives/partners of fishos – were not at all surprised why it was so popular. After surviving the hum-drum drudgery compulsory restocking supplies from the supermarket and queuing through the checkout etc. the adjacent Op-shop is comparatively a fun relaxed place for retail therapy relief. You don’t have to follow a shopping list. You don’t even have to be shopping but be warned, there are always irresistible bargains available.
Many TRM guests have made it compulsory to call in every time they stay. The Hospice Shop offers “cheap as chips” donated second-hand goods of all descriptions with wonderful helpful volunteer staff. The customers usually never even know what they are shopping for. It is “emotional shopping” at its worst, or “feel good” shopping at best – I am not sure which? It is fun shopping for such a good cause.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. The location factor is so important. At some time every guest needs essential fresh supplies at the supermarket and the location of the Hospice shop next door – using the same large car park – is the winning combination. The New World (usually referred to in Turangi as the Third World?) carpark provided such good access compared to other shops. No wonder the chemist and Harcourts also moved there after the supermarket was opened. This convenient situation would have the highest foot traffic count in Turangi. So women feel obliged to check it out for new stock almost every time they shop at the supermarket.
Images include TRM Manager, SWMBO, presenting the Turangi Top Touristy Shop prize to the Turangi Hospice Manager, Sarah Morgan with other dedicated Hospice volunteer team members including Judy Gillespie, Mollie Rafferty & Flora McDonald.
The other popular Op-shops in Turangi include the Red Cross which is tucked away on a back street – Te Rangikahekeiwaho Street – off Rangitautahanga Road (tourists love our easy to spell and pronunciation of street names?) where shoppers are lucky to find it. They would need to know the address first. They are open on odd days only yet every time I walk past there is always someone parked outside.
Other local Op-shops are more of a “pop-up” shop format such as that managed by the SPCA located in the mall. But these cannot compete with the convenient location and seductive commercial exposure of the Hospice Shop.
Taupo Op Shops
For a cute little tourist town Turangi is spoilt with four or five op shops – see images above. Compare Taupo which has only one more – their Hospice Shop is at 27 Totara Street, plus others including Care Op Shop – 19 Totara Street, Salvation Army Family Store at 77 Spa Road, SPCA Op Shop at 32 Oruanui Street, Red Cross at 70 Heuheu Street, Interchurch Welfare Op Shop at 46 Titraupenga Street and Fetch Op Shop at 29 Ranunga Street. Something for everyone.
More information about Hospice Shops below from their website:
Hospice shops are one of our main fundraising ventures – turning 2nd hand goods into 1st class care.
The Hospice Shops in Taupo and Turangi are full of fantastic
Normal opening hours…..
Turangi Shop : 19 Ohuanga Rd ( next to Unichem Pharmacy and New World). Open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Closed Sundays and Public Holidays Ph 07-3868940
Taupo Shop : 29 Totara St – Totara Point Shopping Centre. Open 7 days a week Monday to Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Closed Public Holidays Ph 07-377 3493
We can usually arrange pick up of large items so please give us a call at one of the above numbers to discuss this.
If you would like to volunteer in one of our shops, Email shoptaupo@laketaupohospice.co.nz or Ph 07-377 3493
Donate Goods to our Hospice Shops
Our Hospice shops rely entirely upon donated goods so if you have any good quality second hand goods/products, donating these to our shops is a great way to support Lake Taupo Hospice. All the money raised through the shop sales remains in this area to help and support local patients and their families.
Hospice Shop Deliveries
In most cases our volunteer drivers can pick up and deliver larger items. Please call us.
Volunteer @ Lake Taupo Hospice Shops
Volunteering at our shops is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and help a great cause. Shifts are usually 3 hours, either 10am to 1pm or 1pm to 4pm. Volunteers help sort and price donated goods, sell in store or help with pick-ups and deliveries. Call Mark on 07-377 3493 to find out more.
Currently we would love to hear from you if you would like to help in either of the Taupo or Turangi shops, or out and about on the shop van.