The long-running tourism company will move its four reservations staff from an office on Gorge Rd and will shortly advertise for an additional two or three fixed-term staff for its new outlet in the revamped Plaza Arcade.
The light and airy 80sq m store on Shotover St will receive an interior fitting out designed by Mike McCaw of Designability. The store will be open seven days a week and operated in partnership with InterCity Group, which incorporates Intercept Coach lines, Awesome, and tourism coach service Great Sights.
Milford Sound Red Boats general manager John Robson said its first outlet in the resort has been part of its business plan for some time.
"But once Skeggs Group purchased us on September 1 from Tourism Holdings Ltd, they looked at the plan and wanted to accelerate it, to make sure we had effective market presence in Queenstown.
"This is a high visibility site with high foot traffic, so it's the perfect opportunity for us to launch ourselves into the retail market as a primarily Milford-focused outlet. However, we will of course also offer a full information and booking service for all activities in this region."
Skeggs Group managing director David Skeggs, of Dunedin, said the company had a positive outlook in relation to the tourism sector.
"We have an ongoing programme of investment to raise awareness of our products and the services we offer, of which our new retail store is a very important element."
Milford Sound Red Boats described itself as offering the most modern cruising experience in Milford Sound, with three spacious catamarans and the Encounter Cruise.
Milford Sound Red Boats also operates Milford Deep, New Zealand's only underwater observatory, and the Blue Duck Cafe and Bar in Milford Sound.
