Tuesday, 30 April 2019
New Zealand vaping store, VAPO, has enjoyed a busy two weeks since opening in High Street, Christchurch – the first VAPO
store in the South Island.
Located in the heart of Christchurch, VAPO has opened in the heritage-listed Duncan’s buildings. With the redevelopment
marking the last part of High Street to re-open since the 2011 earthquakes, VAPO and its new neighbours are attracting
plenty of interest and positive feedback.
“To open a premier store in such an iconic Christchurch building when the city has lost so much heritage is awesome.
We’re both originally from Christchurch, and while it may be VAPO’s eighth store nationwide, this one arguably means the
most to us,” says Ben Pryor who co-owns vaping businesses VAPO and Alt New Zealand with Jonathan Devery.
VAPO’s Christchurch store manager Nic Kavermann says opening day on 13 April was crazy and since then trade has been
strong.
The category-two Duncan’s buildings were originally built in 1905 and have been redeveloped with the historic facades
intact. Situated in lower High Street, between Tuam and St Asaph streets, Mr Pryor says the best locator for the VAPO
store is the fact that its next to the very popular Little High Eatery at 255 St Asaph Street.
“The developers have done such an amazing job with the restoration and have attracted a great mix of tenants. Known as
the ‘Salt District’ this part of downtown Christchurch is only going to get stronger and stronger. Let’s just say, we’re
very pleased to have our first South Island store there,” says Mr Pryor.
VAPO and Alt New Zealand form what is the largest New Zealand-owned vaping company, with stores now in Christchurch,
Wellington and Auckland. Employing over 70 people, the company also has a factory, laboratory, and large distribution
centre over two sites in Auckland. More stores around New Zealand are expected.
VAPO and Alt’s ambition is for a smoke-free New Zealand – free from tobacco.
“Vaping is all about getting Kiwis off cigarettes and into a practice that’s considerably healthier and more
cost-effective for them and their families. We know first-hand, and studies show, that vaping is the most effective
smoking cessation tool. So we’re very proud to now bring our passion and company ethos to Christchurch,” says Mr Pryor.
ENDS