Ponsonby News talked to Francesca Hopkins about her role at CurioNoir
I started working at The Fabric Store when I was in high school.
What brought you to CurioNoir?
Three factors: Tiffany Jeans, the CurioNoir ethos of celebrating fine craft and the uncommon, and the sense of community that surrounds the world of CurioNoir.
What do you love about your store?
Everything.
What makes a standout retail salesperson?
The same as what makes a standout person in general. Kindness, patience, good communication and listening skills, self belief and the courage to be curious and learn.
Tell us about a memorable sale you've made this year...
I love all the interactions in our store because our space has something to offer everybody, even if it's an experience rather than a product. Observing how people respond to a new and uncommon experience is always memorable and interesting.
If you could wave your wand and have anyone in the world walk into
your store right now, who would it be?
I would love for Drake to come into CurioNoir, mostly because I'd like to flirt with him.
If you could wave your wand and have anyone in greater Ponsonby walk into your store right now, who would it be?
Maeve Woodhouse, a Ponsonby gal and my most magical friend... so I could give her
a hug and kiss.
Where do you shop/enjoy shopping?
Miss Crabb, because Kristine Crabb creates the best clothing and the girls in there are all stunners. And Z petrol station on Williamson Avenue (shopping for petrol?!) because the staff in there are so incredibly kind, helpful and are always smiling, it's the most uplifting re-fuel experience each time.
Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby brand/store/retail salesperson...
Areez Kati at Simon James Concept Store has a very warm, calm and creative energy that I love experiencing when I go into the store.
CURIONOIR, 76a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4090, www.curionoir.com