Newspaper Article 1976 – Centrepoint adds Continental touch

Centrepoint adds Continental touch

The lively Centrepoint block in Hastings can boast it is the only shopping centre in Hawke’s Bay where shoppers are serenaded.

A $3050 speaker system has been installed in the 41-shop block, financed by the shop-owners themselves.

As well as providing gentle background music to help take the hassle out of shopping, it also converts into a handy public address system.

It can be used to inform people about lost children, lost property – it can even let shoppers know such things as bus departure times.

The system, installed by AMI Industrial Products Ltd, could even be useful in such things as a civil emergency.

MORE PLEASANT

Its prime function, however, is to make shopping providing that little more pleasant.

Fifty speakers under shop verandas enable music to be carried around the block at low volume.

This prevents it from becoming a distraction and with the careful selection of “Mood music”, creates just the right atmosphere.

The source of the music is McKenzies department store where the tape recorder is based.

In fact, the system for the entire block really evolved from McKenzies own in-store system.

A microphone lead can be taken out on to the footpath if necessary and can extend the length of the block for promotions.

Already there has been an excellent public reaction to the innovation.

CONTINENTAL TOUCH

With the removal of through traffic from the block when the ring road came into force, the inclusion of flower beds and trees, the erection of a permanent archway over the street and the long-awaited beautification of the railway crossing, shopping in Centrepoint has developed a Continental flavour.

Shopping need not be a chore. It can be a pleasant experience.

This is the philosophy [philosophy] of the livewire Centrepoint promotions committee which is continually seeking ideas to improve the shoppers’ lot.

Most shoppers will agree, they have come a long way to fulfilling their philosophy.

Photo caption – MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT CENTREPOINT COMMITTEE INCLUDE from left: Messrs Doug McNair, Paul Franco (representing Mr Warren Williams), Mel Page (president), Trevor Sweeney, Mrs Elaine Campbell (secretary) and Bruce Giorgi. At back, Messrs Graeme Mills and Paul Stevenson.