TARGET:
123 hours since we launched this project and we are pleased to announce that we have hit our £35,000 target!! No rest for the wicked at this end, we switch from campaign mode to the reality of creating our shop all whilst continuing to service the lovely folk of the UK with plentiful supplies of NZ wine, so we must get back to packing those boxes... Thanks a million to all who've played a part in joining this journey and helping to create a wider recognition for all the producers that continue to inspire us everyday. Pledges are still welcome for the remainder of our campaign, and as promised we'll provide a full breakdown as to where and how any additional money will be spent.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN A UNIQUE RETAIL SPACE
In order to continue our celebration of New Zealand wine it's time The New Zealand Cellar took the next step - to provide a captivating space where people can explore the wonders of New Zealand wine. We've been presented with an opportunity in an exciting new retail, events and office development in Brixton, London and we want to get involved to create a retail space here that the New Zealand wine industry would be proud of.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
We are asking for £35,000 as this is the minimum amount required to build, design and fit out our very first outlet. If we were to succeed in this, or even exceed the target, The New Zealand Cellar would provide a full report to our founding supporters of where we have spent your donations and where we intend to spend any additional money. Exceeding our target will allow us to extend and develop our portfolio further.
WHAT THE NEW ZEALAND CELLAR IS ABOUT
I launched The New Zealand Cellar with the ambition of making premium New Zealand wine more readily available to UK customers. Spotting a gap in the market I seized an opportunity to showcase New Zealand's dynamic and evolving wine industry in one place. Tired of being disappointed with the uninspiring range and lack of variety available in the UK, my primary focus was driven by the integrity of my home country and the wine producers that embrace an ethos of quality and excellence. Creating an online environment to make these wines accessible, coupled with the determination to drive the New Zealand wine conversation, gave The New Zealand Cellar immediate support and recognition. This journey began (and is still based) in the spare room of my home and so this project is a chance to create a space that people can actually visit to purchase New Zealand wine.
WHY WE ARE DOING IT?
Simply to sell, promote and educate people about New Zealand wine in the UK. To support New Zealand wine producers by extending our service and celebrating New Zealand wine face-to-face with customers.
The development will also open endless opportunities for bespoke events in an events space within the grounds, an opportunity we'd like to share with our traveling winemakers when they visit London.
WHAT THIS OPPORTUNITY INVOLVES
We've essentially got an empty shell that we need to transform into a captivating slice of New Zealand. Using materials such as wood, marble and concrete we hope to design a truly inspiring New Zealand wine venue. The walls will be lined with our full range of New Zealand's finest wines, available seven days a week. Customers can also sample and buy any of the wines we will be serving by the glass and carafe each day. There will be a small selection of shared seating available, where guests can enjoy wine and indulge in a chat with one of our friendly team members.
So, we need to fit out our new space with everything we need - right down to doors and light fittings. We need to implement and develop new systems and procedures, along with testing the functionality and alignment of our current systems. We will also require funds that contribute to the education and training of new employees.
Not only will we be open throughout the day, seven days a week, the development has a license which will allow us to serve until midnight. With the expectation of welcoming more than 1000 people to the site on Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays we anticipate this new endeavor will require more staff and we will need to recruit and train two additional full time employees.
WHY WE NEED / ARE ASKING FOR HELP
To get this project off the ground and make it a success, we need your help! By pledging to support us in becoming London's first New Zealand wine retail outlet we will recognise your commitment and ensure our journey is shared with you along the way.
There are plenty of initial costs that your contribution will help with. It will also help support us in growing the reputation of premium New Zealand wine in the UK and giving it the recognition it deserves. If we can change the perception of just a small bunch of consumers every week and educate them to spend a few extra pounds on fine NZ wine, our goals will be achieved.
So far, I have personally invested in the development of our online business but feel that taking the next step and opening a store is crucial for the growth of a viable and successful business. Our social media and customer databases are growing each week and it is time to take the business to the next level.
So please take a look at the Rewards we are offering for your support and help us spread the word.
WHY WE ARE USING KICKSTARTER
We are using Kickstarter as we believe this crowdfunding platform is the strongest and most powerful platform that links New Zealand & the UK, a platform that will hopefully ignite an emotive response from the crowd who will help us succeed.
Risks and challenges
If we were to achieve our funding target we know there will still be challenges and obstacles to overcome. As with any small business, challenges and risks happen on a daily basis.
One major challenge we anticipate is the speed with which we will need to get this project off the ground. The development is due to open its doors by mid May, giving us only a few of weeks to complete the build after funding is (hopefully) raised. This means we're working against the clock and don't really have a moment to spare!
We have decided on an up-and-coming part of London to open our first retail space and we know this comes with some risks. It will be a challenge at first to build and nurture a loyal and active customer base in Brixton. However, after a lot of research and talking to other new businesses that are succeeding in the area we think this is a risk that will pay off as Brixton is now very much a destination in itself for eating and drinking in London. We also believe we are a great fit with the other businesses opening in this retail space and that we complement each other really well.
Opening The New Zealand Cellar in 2014 was a big risk but was one I truly believed in and I do believe that this risk, too, will pay off.
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Funding period
- (14 days)