READ AND WIN $50 VOUCHER GIVEAWAY! PLUS CHECK THE READER PRIZE WINNER FROM LAST TIME! DETAILS AT THE END.
Hey everyone! As Perry outlined, we recently held our annual managers conference at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre on Auckland’s waterfront.
It’s a time to get together, share ideas and create new concepts. But most of all, it reminds us that we’re part of a bigger organisation with a clear purpose – creating opportunities for others to achieve their dreams
The theme for this conference was “Making the Customer #1.” Here’s Director Nick setting the scene
The programme opened with the directors reviewing the company’s performance and top-level goals.
After director Greg’s inspirational talk about empowering our people, People Development Manager Yasuko-san introduced our largest-ever class of new partners.
And just in time for lunch, the sun came out to showcase the amazing harbour views.
Then came our traditional awards presentation and dinner. Because this year’s conference was on the waterfront, the best place for the presentation was on a boat! We sailed the harbour on the Peretū, a beautiful 88 foot (27 metre) long catamaran, which provided spectacular views of the waterfront, islands, harbour bridge and more.
The presentation recognised our top performers in Customer Service, Quality, Cleanliness, best store opening, store support and of course sales.
Day 2 began with an in-depth discussion between Director Nick and Alfred – a St Pierres veteran of 32 years – discussing what great customer service means and how to deliver it. Drawing on his experience, Alfred shared powerful, practical insights we can all apply every day. Nick was so inspired, he even coined a new philosophy based on Alfred’s famously positive approach.
The second part of the morning session was a real treat, an interactive performance with comedy hypnotist Haiming Jiang. We can’t play video for privacy reasons, but if you get the chance, his show is engaging and truly hilarious!
Haiming also had a serious message: challenging us to think about how we can become a better version of ourselves.
Finally came a conference highlight – sixteen managers provided their frank opinions in panel discussions across four topics linked to the conference theme. We’re lucky to have deep and creative thinkers ready to share their insights.
It was a whirlwind event with a record 135 attendees. On behalf of the People & Partnership Dept, thanks to everyone for your engagement and creative contributions – and see you all soon!
READ AND WIN! Congratulations to Heui Kyung (Mel) Moon from South City shop, who won her choice of one $50 WOOLWORTHS VOUCHER or a DOUBLE PASS MOVIE VOUCHER at Hoyts or Event Cinemas for her answer last time.
This week we’re giving away the same prize.
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
In the video, what does Nick say is ‘the most important topic’?
Comment below with
1. Your name and shop
2. Your answer to the above question
Entries close at 12 noon on Wednesday 6 August 2025.

Hello team,
I am Selina from Albany branch, Nick said the most important topic is how to make the customer Number one.
Thanks
Hi, I’m Vida Mariel Trinidad from St. Pierre’s Sushi – Napier (Carlyle). Nick said that the most important thing is how to make the customer number one. Thank you
Gover
Emily Williams
The most important topic is how to make the customer number #1.
Mae Ann Rose Austria (St Pierre Fraser Cove Tauranga)
Keeping our Customers Number 1
1. Your name and shop:
Grace Kale B. Sumcad , St. Pierre’s Wellsford Branch
2. Answer
The most important topic that Nick said is ” How to make the customer number 1″.
1. Fern New Plymouth
2. How to make the customers no. 1
Jasper Chen, St Pierres Hamilton The Base Te rapa
He says the most important topic is how to make the customer number one!
How to make the customers number 1 !!!!
Tal (Silverdale)
How to make the customers number 1 !!!!
Tal (Silverdale)
Of course the answer is :
Keeping our Customers Number 1
Akemi (future employee at Yaldhurst)
I loved reading about the focus on customer-first thinking and the energy at the event—well done to all the managers!
1,Shiho Kuriyama (St Pierre’s Westgate)
2, the most important topic was “how to make customers number 1”
Aldila- Oteha
How to make the customer number one
Pimpika Jarungrux
St. Pierre’s Lincoln
Answer is How to make our customers number one.
Nine Michak @Silverdale
How’s to make the customers No1. 😊
Zhoupeng Liu
Pukekohe
Making the Customer #1
1. Prabhashwara Bandara (St Pierres – St Lukes)
2. How to make the Customer No.1
Elise Sharp
Newtown, Wellington
Nick said the most important thing is how to make the customer number one.
Hello I’m Cristina De San Jose manukau branch nick say they celebrating 40th anniversary ,all
Manager and staff are there and they are tackle about the most important to make the customer number one 😊
Trang
Ponsonby
Nick said : The most important thing is How to make the customer number one