From Concept to Community Hub
The Beginning
It all started in the summer of 1994. Good friends on a drive to Invercargill, we chatted about a local drapery business that was closing down in Roxburgh. We made a joke about how we could bring a new idea of a concept store to the town during our trip to Invercargill and back. Despite neither of us having any background in retail (apart from being great shoppers ourselves)—Teresa from a travel background, and I from interior design, nine kids between us, two husbands, and a vision, the seed was sown.
Our first buying trip in Auckland was a memorable adventure—with no GPS, I was driving a manual car while Teresa navigated using the good old-fashioned map. Stuck in traffic and unsure of our destination, we couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. Our belief in each other and our shared passion carried us through the challenges.
We set up 103 The Store as a concept store, offering everything you could imagine in a small department store. Fast forward to the day of our grand opening in August 1995, we nervously took the paper off the windows and opened our doors to an unexpected queue of locals eagerly waiting outside, and so it began...
Building the Café
Our next vision was to create a space within the building serving coffee and cake, initially to complement the store. On December 8, 2012, we opened our new exciting venture, once again nervously pulling the paper off the windows. Spending many late nights turning the idea of a cosy nook where partners, friends, and family could sit, read a magazine, newspaper or to enjoy a treat, while the other half could browse, shop all at their leisure in 103.
As time went by, the demand for our coffee and cakes grew. People loved the atmosphere and décor of our café, so we gradually expanded our menu over the years in response to their requests. Our café has since become a beloved community hub.
Adapting and Growing
To survive in business, you have to constantly evolve. As we approach the 12th anniversary of our café, our business model has shifted. The café has now become the main attraction, with 103 The Store complementing it. The extension of our café during and after COVID-19 brought significant changes, making the café the larger part of our space. With tape measure in hand, I would often hear staff ask, "Oh no, what is she going to do now?" as I embarked on yet another creative change. We continue to adapt and grow, ensuring we meet the needs of our wonderful community.
A Community Hub and Destination
We are more than just a store and a café; we are a cornerstone of the community and a destination for both locals and visitors. Our space is a place where people come together, enjoy great food, coffee, shopping and to create lasting memories. Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and welcoming you to our vibrant community hub. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and inspirations!
Sally x