Fashion store team seizes opportunity for a new look Preen

• Published date: 03 November 2021
• Publication title: Courier, The

Preen has been busy earthquake strengthening its shop. To complement the mighty steel beams, the team decided to give the store a bit of love as well, updating the interior, counter, changing rooms, decor, lighting and overall aesthetic.

Sophie Preen is adamant that investing in Timaru’s main street is the way forward.

She believes in the future of Timaru and primary retail being on Stafford St for years to come.

‘‘Timaru has a unique vibe and is a special community. We have a great array of independent retailers which is our point of difference to the major cities.

‘‘Timaru has so many wonderful reasons to visit it, and we have many people who just come for the shopping. Doing this upgrade is our way of ensuring they keep coming back.

‘‘I moved back here from Melbourne for the best parts of small-town living. But small town doesn’t mean we are behind in trends or style. My dad always told me we needed to be leaders not followers.’’

Tony Preen opened Paddington’s back in the 1980s and rebranded to Preen many years ago, and his father started the iconic Miss Timaru back in 1960. Both stores are known for their skilled...