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Hobby Lords Ltd
Beyond retail to lifelong pastimes
Hobby Lords has built more than just stores — it has created welcoming, inclusive spaces where anyone can walk in, sit down, and share a game with friends or strangers, often forging lifelong connections along the way.
Its team doesn’t just sell products; they coach customers through their hobbies,
support kids with maths and English, and bring joy to thousands every week through more than 13 event systems and operations.
With a Net Promoter Score of 92 and a #1 ranking in a national secret shopper programme, the Dunedin flagship leads the way in retail excellence.
In just three years, it has grown from a garage start-up to a seven-store network across New Zealand and Malaysia, with six more stores set to open in the next 10 months.
The Malaysian location secures a vital Asian goods supply line as the business expands further into Asia and explores Australia.
All of its leadership, marketing, and development teams are proudly based in Dunedin — a reflection of its commitment to growing local talent and delivering world-class experiences from the heart of Otepoti.
Night 'n Day
Family feel combines with convenience
The nationwide Night ’n Day network of 54 convenience stores has its Support Centre based in Dunedin.
Night ’n Day stores offer a wide range of food, beverages, and groceries and are open every day, either 24 hours or until 11pm.
The brand is built on four principles: customer service, consistency, range, and quality.
‘‘This year, we’re proud to celebrate 35 years in business,’’ general manager Matthew Lane says.
‘‘Many of our stores are family-run, and some franchisees have been with us for decades, reflecting the loyalty and strength of our model. That family feel remains at the heart of our
brand.’’
Community support is also a priority. Last year, sponsorships of sports teams and local initiatives exceeded $400,000.
‘‘In-store, we focus on creating a supportive, growth-oriented environment for our team,’’ Matthew says.
‘‘Our stores offer employment pathways and leadership opportunities for young people, with ongoing training and development.’’
Recent innovations include online sales via delivery services and self-service checkouts to meet changing customer habits. A customer app is also in development to enable product ordering for in-store pick-up.
Inc Design Store
‘‘Inspiring, memorable, and unlike anywhere else’’
A retail phenomenon is flourishing amid Oamaru’s historic buildings.
Inc Design Store showcases a curated selection of homewares, artworks,
ceramics, glassware, garments, jewellery, and gifts by 75 independent designers and brands from New Zealand and beyond.
The business has both instore and online clients, creative director Helen
Riley-Duddin says.
‘‘They’re selective buyers who appreciate good design, unique wares, and find meaning in the stories behind the items. That cuts across cultures, age, income and geographic location.
‘‘Many of our products are created exclusively for inc, so they have a story to tell and not available elsewhere.’’
Consistent five-star Google reviews, return customers, staff expansion, growth in product ranges, increasing international reach, and resilience through the economic downturn are all testament to inc’s success.
The store contributes to the Waitaki and greater Otago economy, open seven days a week.
‘‘We aspire to prove a career as an independent creative can be viable in business; for ourselves, and for our designers.
‘‘As a concept store, we aim for every visit and interaction with us to be inspiring, memorable, and unlike anywhere else.’’
