The chance to embrace a life-long passion for gardening in a dream location were two of the driving factors behind Deborah Mabin taking on the Acacia Bay Garden Centre earlier this year.
Deb has lived in Taupo on and off throughout her life and was drawn to the opportunity to step into a local business in a location that she loves. “Acacia Bay has its own vibe. We love it and now we wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else,” says Deb.
A close-knit team is at the heart of the Acacia Bay Garden Centre and is its platform for success. Deb, and previous owner, Michele, work with Sallie, Damian, Jo and Kat. Making a connection with their customers and providing an excellent customer experience is at the core of everything they do.
“The team loves to take customers on a journey through the garden centre to find what makes them excited. They take the time to understand what the customer wants to achieve with their garden, listen to their challenges and help find solutions. A garden should be full of the things you love. Some customers know exactly what that is, and we can source what they are looking for. Others are emerging gardening enthusiasts and may need some suggestions and a chance to learn and explore and that’s what we are here to provide.”
The Acacia Bay Garden Centre is a destination for professional and avid amateur gardeners from all over the North Island. “We are a boutique business that supplies some of those special and unusual plants not available everywhere. Our suppliers are often boutique businesses, too” says Deb. “Keen gardeners make a point of visiting us to see what they might find. We also stock the more mainstream plants and gardening staples that can help to establish any garden, from simple to elaborate.”
The Acacia Bay Garden Centre was first established in Acacia Bay in 1984. “It has had a few owners along the way, and we want to recognise and respect the history of the business while continuing to grow,” says Deb. While locals may notice a new sign and some rebranding, it is important to Deb and the team that the garden centre continues to be a welcoming place for locals and visitors. “People call in for a look and a chat and often bump into someone they know,” says Deb. “It’s a wonderful community here and we love being at the heart of it.”
An experienced businesswoman, Deb is used to finding solutions to challenges both expected and unexpected – something no business, or business owner, is immune to. Amplify offers a toolkit of different programmes, services, training and support to suit all levels of business, from start-ups and small firms right through to major companies.