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1701 days ago

Good Corporate Citizens ?

Graeme from Frankton

Most of you will know a bit about The Warehouse , and their actions lately . Even putting aside your feelings about their products or staff , when the lockdown was first announced , they decided they were an essential business . Seriously , they did . Because they sell big packs of toilet rolls , feminine personal products , and warm childrens clothing . That was ACTUALLY what they said ! So they wanted all their stores open , selling all sorts of , well , you know the kind of stuff they sell .
Basically , completely came across as greedy , manipulative , even putting their staff at risk and/or want to get work out of everyone they have to pay wages for . Widely ridiculed .
Then come the 'essential' products category that was actioned yesterday -- and yes , they had their website up and running , selling heaters and fridges and laptops and cellphones .
And seemingly straight away , they applied to open 'selected stores' for customers who wanted to pick up their products , and/or rural clients . Yes , still clutching at every excuse IMO .
Now comes news that Harvey Norman have emailed the owners of all their New Zealand stores saying they will NOT be paying leases whilst this lockdown is on . Obviously , this is almost certainly in breach of their lease agreements . Some small businesses have negotiated with their landlords . But this ( according to news reports ) was not negotiation -- it was simply a standard e-mail advising landlords -- no negotiation . Basically , bullying . Large purpose built premises that would be hard to re-lease . Suck it or we'll make you take us to court basically .
And Countdown too -- initially told any staff who objected to working ( on health grounds ) they wouldn't get paid . Cancelled specials . Seemingly put some prices up . After their competitor kept running specials AND offered staff a 10% 'bonus' , Countdown seems to have fallen into line , which is good ( eventually ) . I remember the boycott of them a few years ago though , over their bullying of suppliers -- 'we will only buy if we get extra discounts , we don't care if you lose money -- take it or leave it' .

Personally , I haven't gone to any of those 3 businesses much , so not much will change , but I do look at the overall image of a business . I don't have a heap of money , but again just me personally , I'd sooner support businesses that align more with my morals and ethics .

This piece may get deleted ( although I believe it is all factual ) but feel free to add any comments or other businesses you want to praise or point out what you don't like .

More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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5 hours ago

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15 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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