From family roots to national success: How Oderings Garden Centre has grown through the generations
From family roots to national success: How Oderings Garden Centre has grown through the generations
2024 has been a year of resilience and adaptation for much of the retail sector. Despite the challenges posed by high inflation, high interest rates, and cost of living pressures, many retail businesses have found ways to survive and thrive.
Among these businesses is Oderings Garden Centres – a beloved family-owned nationwide chain. So how has Oderings navigated New Zealand’s challenging macroeconomic conditions and continued its intergenerational success?
Oderings is all about family. Since its establishment in 1929, the seven-generation family business has grown significantly, now with seven stores throughout New Zealand after being handed down through successive generations. It’s these family values that have helped to ensure Oderings’ success through the years, says CEO Angela Thompson.
“I think customers like Oderings and support Oderings because we grow it here - our family grows it here in the garden centre.”
As the Oderings family has expanded and passed the business down through the generations, Angela has seen how regular shoppers have grown with the company.
“Customers often come up to me and say, ‘I used to put my children in these trolleys and wander around here, and now those children are wheeling around their children.’”
“We make sure our plants are fit for purpose – they’re grown for the conditions so that when you put them in the garden, they survive. People ask us ‘Are you a grower that sells or are you a seller that grows?’ We are both – that’s where our strength is.”
Angela says another strength is the support offered by Kimberley Symon, BDO Christchurch Advisory Partner.
“We work with Kim very closely. She’s helped us implement our new accounting system, she comes to the Board, and she gives advice which is valued and acted upon. Exceptional client service is being able to get hold of that person and get the answers that you need within a very short timeframe - BDO and Kim deliver that."
Looking ahead, Oderings has an eye on further expansion and growth.
“Our future lies in national branding, from the top to the bottom of the country. We can’t stay in the place that we are now – we need to grow, and that growth needs to come from supplying more garden centres."
As Oderings’ trusted advisor, Kimberley Symon says the company’s ethos and culture have helped it weather the storms of 2024.
“Oderings is a trusted family brand that is part of the fabric of Christchurch, and it’s been so exciting to watch the company expand across New Zealand. While it has been a tough year for retail, Oderings has stayed true to its core values and continues to focus on quality and customer service – while also thinking ahead to the future.”
Among these businesses is Oderings Garden Centres – a beloved family-owned nationwide chain. So how has Oderings navigated New Zealand’s challenging macroeconomic conditions and continued its intergenerational success?
Family values drive loyalty
Oderings is all about family. Since its establishment in 1929, the seven-generation family business has grown significantly, now with seven stores throughout New Zealand after being handed down through successive generations. It’s these family values that have helped to ensure Oderings’ success through the years, says CEO Angela Thompson.“I think customers like Oderings and support Oderings because we grow it here - our family grows it here in the garden centre.”
As the Oderings family has expanded and passed the business down through the generations, Angela has seen how regular shoppers have grown with the company.
“Customers often come up to me and say, ‘I used to put my children in these trolleys and wander around here, and now those children are wheeling around their children.’”
Focusing on quality at every turn
While Oderings has been faced with the same challenges felt elsewhere in the retail sector, Angela says the business has found strength in its focus on quality.“We make sure our plants are fit for purpose – they’re grown for the conditions so that when you put them in the garden, they survive. People ask us ‘Are you a grower that sells or are you a seller that grows?’ We are both – that’s where our strength is.”
Angela says another strength is the support offered by Kimberley Symon, BDO Christchurch Advisory Partner.
“We work with Kim very closely. She’s helped us implement our new accounting system, she comes to the Board, and she gives advice which is valued and acted upon. Exceptional client service is being able to get hold of that person and get the answers that you need within a very short timeframe - BDO and Kim deliver that."
A purpose for the future
Looking ahead, Oderings has an eye on further expansion and growth.“Our future lies in national branding, from the top to the bottom of the country. We can’t stay in the place that we are now – we need to grow, and that growth needs to come from supplying more garden centres."
As Oderings’ trusted advisor, Kimberley Symon says the company’s ethos and culture have helped it weather the storms of 2024.
“Oderings is a trusted family brand that is part of the fabric of Christchurch, and it’s been so exciting to watch the company expand across New Zealand. While it has been a tough year for retail, Oderings has stayed true to its core values and continues to focus on quality and customer service – while also thinking ahead to the future.”