Howards Storage World The space cadets of South Wharf

Have you ever felt as though you’re running out of room in your home? Well don’t pack-up and call the real estate agent just yet, as Howard’s Storage World is sure to have a solution.

Located in the new Homemaker Hub in South Wharf, Howard’s Storage World is fast becoming popular with Docklands locals.

Owner and operator of the South Wharf franchise, Ron Pugsley, said the shop had received quite a few visitors from the Docklands area who were looking to optimise their space.

“A lot of people from Lorimer St have come in looking at the wardrobe solutions we have and they’re all very impressed with the flexibility and range,” he said.

Offering free same-day or next-day delivery to the Docklands, Ron said his shop was about giving back time, through organisational solutions, to a population that was increasingly time poor.

“We can give you a complete wardrobe makeover with our products and we will come out and install the product,” he said.

A former general manager of Coca Cola in Poland and former managing director for Cadbury in China, Ron is instilling in his employees the lessons he learnt in his corporate life.

“The customer comes first and I’ve instilled that idea in my workers and that has meant that we’ve already had people come back four or five times since opening on January 16.”

Ron said friendliness, advice and co-operation also contributed to the overall satisfaction and experience for customers and he believes Docklands residents can benefit greatly from the services his shop provides.

“In an area like Docklands where apartment dwelling is the norm and space is a premium, being able to effectively use that space is a requirement,” he said.

Living out his passion of running his own business, Ron said he chose South Wharf for a number of reasons including being able to be a part of the Homemaker Hub; being on the edge of one of the fastest developing areas in Melbourne; and because it was accessible by walking, driving or public transport.

“I think the hub’s a great location and, with more stores opening, it broadens the value of what’s on offer. Collectively, we offer a total home solution and that is a very attractive retail strategy,” Ron said.

Providing a wide range storage solutions, some of which you wouldn’t even think would exist, the store is sure to be popular with residents and workers alike.

“It’s the women’s equivalent to a Bunnings store because it is what is new in organisational design and, just as men can spend hours in a Bunnings store looking at all the products, I find that sometimes women will come in here and just spend hours looking,” he said.