Introducing Proprietor

Penny Hickson ELECTRICAL AND Sian Hodge BEDDING & FURNITURE

“For me, it’s always been electrical,” says Penny Hickson, Proprietor of the Electrical Department in Masterton’s Harvey Norman store.

Penny has been working for the company for 13 years. She’s worked in the Lower Hutt, Gisborne, and Whakatane stores, and is committed to the Harvey Norman brand.

Having been brought up in Lower Hutt and having mostly worked for Harvey Norman in the Lower Hutt store, moving over the hill to Masterton with her husband has been straightforward, Penny says.

She’s excited by the electrical offerings in her department.

“Whiteware, cooking appliances, TVs, smaller appliances – they’re all fascinating. We have a big range of products and something for everyone whether you’re on a tight budget, building your dream kitchen, or renovating your house. We can match the right products to the customer’s needs and budget.”

The Harvey Norman culture suits Penny. “It’s a great atmosphere.

It’s easy to work with everyone and it feels like a family. I enjoy my role and making Harvey Norman a great place to work for my team.”

She has recruited twelve staff, almost all locals, to cover the wide range of offerings in the electrical department.

Describing herself as easy going and with a sense of humour, customer service underpins Penny’s skill set. Prior to her years with Harvey Norman, she had several other customer service-based roles including for the Study Link call centre. “Those skills of working with people are transferrable.”

Come and meet Penny Hickson and her team in the Electrical Department of Masterton’s new Harvey Norman.

With nearly eight years at Harvey Norman already under her belt - having worked in sales, as a linen manager, floor manager and now as a proprietorSian Hodge has relocated from Palmerston North to Masterton and is ready to go. Her energy is infectious.

Sian’s new role as Proprietor of the Bedding and Furniture Department in the new Masterton store is “the next step in my career and I’m ready. Everyone who works for Harvey Norman is passionate about what they do,” she says. “Harvey Norman gives us a career.”

“Being able to help people create the home of their dreams – for relaxing, working and sleeping - is an absolute privilege and a great opportunity,” Sian says.

Harvey Norman can work its magic for you from when you first walk through the door of your home, with entrance tables and mirrors. The store offers chairs, stools, buffets, tables, couches, and a whole suite of products for kitchens, dining rooms, and lounges. And then there are the bedrooms.

“We sleep for about a third of our lives,” Sian says, “and so our bedrooms are important. Come and test our mattresses and be fitted for the right pillow. You can also check out the options for bases, headboards, bedside cabinets, and dressers.”

Masterton’s Bedding and Furniture Department has a team of six, ready to help customers create an entire story in their homes from the inside out. “We do outdoor furniture and BBQs as well as all our indoor ranges.”

Many products available from the Bedding and Furniture Department are customisable and made in New Zealand.

“Pop in for a chat,” Sian says. “We’d love to support you in making your dreams for your home a reality.”