Rewriting the rulebook

There is a long-held saying handed down through generations that describes ‘luck’ as the result of ‘when preparation meets opportunity’. 

It’s a saying that applies perfectly to the Two Dollar Things Plus franchise. The first store, then known as Dollar King, opened in Tokoroa in 2011. Since then, the brand has grown steadily across New Zealand, now under the Two Dollar Things Plus banner and catering for a market that, post-Covid, has become more price conscious than ever before.

With 28 stores across New Zealand and a further seven in Fiji, Two Dollar Things Plus have recently adopted the franchise model, looking to grow even bigger and become a dominant player in New Zealand’s retail sector.  

When preparation meets opportunity

Prashant and Kinjal Patel, who live in the Manawatū town of Ashhurst, were a couple who have prepared well for their investment in a new Two Dollar Things Plus franchise opportunity.

Prashant has a master’s degree in business management and more than 11 years retail experience, including time spent managing various franchised supermarkets and a well-known pizza dine-in/takeaway store. He understandably held high expectations for the performance of any franchise system.

Kinjal also has retail experience as well as a passion for art, crafts and creativity. That passion saw her shopping at numerous Two Dollar Shops to purchase items for her projects.

While they were spending time away from home managing a dairy for friends in Hastings, they both quickly developed an enthusiasm for the local Two Dollar Things Plus store.

When Prashant and Kinjal’s minds turned to the many franchise opportunities that were currently available in New Zealand, it was always going to be the Two Dollar Things Plus franchise that they took a close look at first. 

“We hadn’t seen that level of quality products in that price range anywhere else,” recalls Prashant. “We immediately loved it and when we went back to the Manawatū we couldn’t stop thinking about opening a Two Dollar Things Plus here too.”

A sixth sense for business success

Prashant recalls receiving a “wonderful response” when he first contacted Two Dollar Things Plus managing director Hyun Lee – who explained how the franchise works, why it is so successful, and what the upcoming plans were for the franchise.

“They are so very helpful and have an awesome sense of business, which gave us even more confidence,” explains Prashant. “They also have great vision, plenty of new and visionary business ideas for hardworking individuals, all designed to help people grow and put them in a better position to succeed.”

While Prashant and Kinjal have yet to open the doors to their new Two Dollar Things Plus store, Alice Cho has already been running her franchise in Christchurch’s Eastgate Mall for a year, first opening the doors for trading in May 2024. After 12 months in the driving seat the enthusiasm is still there. The store is performing well and the support and training, on everything from HR to taxation, is still being delivered to her satisfaction.

Setting you up for success

In today’s highly competitive retail market, it is important that any new franchisees are given the best possible start in their Two Dollar Things Plus franchise. Hyun describes the training as extensive, with comprehensive operational training manuals to refer to and solid advice just a phone call or email away.

The stores themselves range in size from 200 square metres up to approximately 550 square metres. The average investment required from new franchisees is around $300,000 but varies depending on the size of the store, the levels of fitout and stock required to fill the store. Hyun says they have ways to help potential franchisees meet the required stock levels. 

Hyun also points out the importance of choosing a business that is always reinvesting in the market and has strong buying power. An established brand like Two Dollar Things Plus has the resources to easily test new retail ideas and to source new products that strike a perfect balance between quality and affordability across a wide range of categories. He says the idea is to present unique and exciting products to customers and to keep them coming back for more.

A ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ commitment

Two Dollar Things Plus is in tune with today’s fast-moving retail landscape. The franchise has opportunities nationwide for astute individuals or couples like Prashant and Kinjal Patel, looking to invest in a hands-on business and willing to learn all the tricks of the retail environment to generate a regular income worthy of the level of investment made.

Two Dollar Things Plus is seeking investors who want to spend time at the store to help encourage and guide their staff, or those who are looking to diversify their business portfolio with a brand that’s at the cutting edge of New Zealand’s retail sector. If you have prepared yourself sufficiently for the local retail market, and you have a genuine desire to succeed, then contact us to find out more.  

See this advertorial on page 19 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 2

Contact details for Two dollar things plus

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