Local Businessman Brings The Power of STIHL SHOP™ To Mosgiel

Outdoor equipment specialist STIHL SHOP™ has opened its doors on the bustling main street of Mosgiel to take the total number of its stores in New Zealand to 58.

STIHL SHOP™ Mosgiel owner-operator Rod McKenzie is a local businessman with a passion for outdoor power equipment, and has more than 25 years’ industry experience under his belt. No stranger to the STIHL brand, Mr McKenzie decided to adopt the STIHL SHOP™ concept in his Dunedin store, Smith Saw and Mower Service Limited, two years ago.

Throughout his time in the industry Mr McKenzie has seen the STIHL brand go from strength to strength, and when the opportunity came up to open a Mosgiel store, he saw the potential for community benefit from the STIHL SHOP™ service and quality product offer.

“Mosgiel is a rapid growing area,” he says. “We are in a great location, along the main strip here on Gordon Road, and I expect we will grow to have a diverse range of customers. Between farmers, foresters, contractors and local people, we can cater to the diverse needs of the community.

“Mosgiel differs from Dunedin in that a lot of the focus here is on the farming community and forestry contractors. However, we offer everyone the same quality service, including repairs of old-faithful tools and a modern hub that showcases the latest technology in outdoor power equipment.”

Mr McKenzie knows his customers well, and has adapted his two stores to the meet the respective needs of each market. He guarantees all customers consistency in quality products and great customer service, along with expert outdoor power equipment advice.

“We’re passionate about outdoor power equipment and keen to share what we know with our customers. On opening day we received wonderful feedback from Mosgiel locals saying, ‘this is what we need.’ We’re more than happy to serve them to our greatest ability and provide the best equipment available for their needs.”

STIHL SHOP™ Mosgiel is especially unique, with its purpose-built soundproof room where customers can get a first-hand look at mowers and chainsaws in action. Neighbours can rest easy in the knowledge that sound and fume emissions are fully contained.

Measuring 2.5m by 3.5m, the soundproof room is a very efficient system, says Mr McKenzie. “It’s dual purpose, with a vent to remove fumes and 50 to 70mm thick walls to block and absorb noise. The material used is hebel, which muffles noise and makes it flat. We have also added a soundproof door and roof.

“We have thought about our neighbours and the potential noise disturbance. I think the soundproof room is an excellent addition to STIHL SHOP™ Mosgiel and suits everyone. Our customers value being able to see products in action, and with a designated space we can showcase the power of STIHL without compromising our relationship with the wider community.”

Phil Weedon, STIHL SHOP™ Group Manager, says, “All our owners are experienced businesspeople, many of whom have worked in other industries. The attraction to STIHL SHOP™ has been the facility for Kiwi businesspeople to live in their hometown while benefiting from a strong international brand and systemised approach as their business foundation.

“New Zealand has a lot of great businesspeople who live here because they want a particular lifestyle, whether urban or more rural, but often they have to compromise on where they live if they want to run a successful business. STIHL SHOP™ is a great example of what a thriving Kiwi business can look like, and it’s an example of how a global brand like STIHL can be given a true local feel, if you adjust it to suit your market.”

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