Biz Buzz

Capital Times asks business owners what they think about Wellington’s economy. 

The other day, John McIntyre was at the movie theatre sitting in front of an older couple discussing what to do when their grandchildren came for a visit. See Te Papa, ride the Cable Car, and go to The Children’s Bookshop.

It was a nice thing for the owner to hear, and it affirmed McIntyre’s goal to make the shop a Wellington destination. Located on a Kilbirnie side street you wouldn’t notice unless you went looking, the shop has been in roughly the same place for 20 years, opening after McIntyre had a kidney transplant and decided it was now or never. Seven years later, his wife Ruth quit her journalism job and joined him. They answered these questions inside their bright, cheerful shop.

What’s your business philosophy?
There’s a book for every child and a child for every book. 
We’re involved in the community. We live in the area, we work in the area, we support the schools. We’re quite proactive about having events, book launches with Wellington authors, and sending newsletters to our extensive mailing list. Every Friday morning a professional storyteller visits. 

What are some of the challenges of running a small business? What about the construction to Kilbirnie’s town centre?
We’re a bit removed from the upgrades of Kilbirnie. They’re not directly impacting us. 
There haven’t been major problems. I think we’re very optimistic people. We just get on with it. You can’t let it eat you up. We’re too busy.

What about the Business Improvement Districts that Wellington City Council has proposed, where businesses in an area pay higher rates to enhance the surrounding area?
Kilbirnie has been suggested as a likely spot.
We don’t own the building and I haven’t looked into that. I’d rather not comment on it.   

What could the city do to improve its economy?
The reduction in government has taken a layer of customers out. There are fewer public servants, middle income people, shopping. Otherwise, I think Wellington City Council is doing a fine job. 

What would you say to someone who was considering starting a business?
Be prepared to work really, really hard. It’s not easy. It took us 10 years to feel as though we were established.
For us, it’s a way of life. It’s not just starting a business, hoping to make some money, and then flicking it on. It’s a lot of hard work. You’ve got to love it, but it’s a magic moment when a parent or grandparent says he wouldn’t read anything before you suggested that book.