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Christchurch retailers affected by the massive February earthquake in the region are getting help to re-stock their businesses with the latest and greatest gift and homeware items. Thanks to a new fund established by the New Zealand Gift Trade Association and XPO Exhibitions, retailers in Christchurch and affected surrounding areas can apply for a subsidy to attend the Spring Gift Fair in Auckland.

Bill Spillane, chair of the NZ Gift Trade Association and XPO’s managing director, says that both organisations are right behind the initiative.

“The South Island retail environment has always been an active and vibrant one, and it was doing well despite the global economic problems. But the two big earthquakes in Christchurch changed things for businesses there. This fund has been set-up to help retailers, who would have visited Christchurch’s now-cancelled Winter Gift Fair, to get to Auckland for Spring Gift Fair 2011 in August.”

Christchurch retailers who had registered to attend their local Gift Fair, or who normally attend one of the other New Zealand Gift Fairs, can apply for subsidised accommodation in Auckland, says Bill Spillane.

“Through the fund, eligible retailers could pay as little as $23 a night at Auckland’s renowned Rendezvous Hotel. XPO is also putting on extra shuttles between all our hotel partners and the ASB Showgrounds, so the only large costs for visitors are airfares and travel from and to the airport.

“Every year for decades the Winter Gift Fair has been a vital part of the South Island retail scene. We’re devastated that it can’t happen in 2011, and many retailers have expressed their disappointment too. Thousands of South Island retailers do the bulk of their buying at the Christchurch Fair. The products seen and bought there, and the deals done, can make the difference between a retailer having a good year and one they’d rather forget. Modern gift retailing is not a simple business, and successful businesses need to consider market and product trends, customer needs, and be able to negotiate good deals. The Gift Fairs are the premier business tools for these retailers to network and to meet the manufacturers, wholesalers and importers driving some of those trends. Not being able to attend a Gift Fair is a huge blow.

“That’s why we’re committing a substantial amount to the fund, and we’re pleased that our hotel partners have come on board as well, dropping room rates to very low levels. We’re aiming to help at least 500 ‘quake affected businesses get to Auckland so they can buy the stock they need to trade through this tragic event. If they can continue to trade, they can continue to help Christchurch recover, keeping people in employment and contributing to the local economy.”

Retailers who believe they are eligible for a subsidy from the fund but haven’t received the email from XPO Exhibitions about the offer are encouraged to contact XPO for more information.  Retailers can call 0800 367 976 or email [email protected]