Annah Stretton

From Rag Trade to Mag Trade is the title of Annah Stretton’s first autobiography and in her typically forthright manner, Annah shares what has been an exceptionally eventful life.

From waitress to accountant; entrepreneur to serial philanthropist and now industry leader; Annah Stretton’s story is one of passion, colour, generosity and extreme business success.

Annah’s business, Stretton Group remains based in the Waikato where her success has grown to include a chain of 27 fashion retail stores throughout New Zealand, export accounts to the U.K., Ireland, Europe, USA (California) and Australia, a publishing arm that delivers three magazine titles to the market – one of which is the highly successful Her Magazine and interests in hospitality.

Stretton Group is based in a multimillion dollar purpose built head office building allowing Annah to factor for growth; particularly in the global fashion market.

In addition to directing her collection of business interests, Annah’s boundless energy also allows her to continue to be actively involved in a huge number of philanthropic endeavours, supporting many national groups including Look good Feel Better, Starship, SPCA, Safe and many Breast Cancer initiatives.

In 2008, the true level of Annah’s achievements and generosity of spirit was captured when she was awarded the honour of becoming a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Fashion, Business and the Community.

Following on from this recognition, Annah became the 2009 New Zealand recipient of the Veuve Clicquot Award. This global tribute acknowledges female achievers in business and industry who exemplify the qualities of Madame Clicquot, the woman behind the successful champagne house Veuve Clicquot.

Most recently, Annah was invited to serve as an advisory board member for New Zealand Global Women, a network of recognised, accomplished senior women leaders from a wide range of national and international disciplines and industries.

Annah’s credibility as an over-achiever who has highlighted her abilities not only in New Zealand but also in the global market place was recently proven as she was chosen to be the face of Telecom’s XT Mobile Network – The journey for this extraordinary woman is far from over!

A snapshot of Recent Achievements and Activities of Annah Stretton
2009
• Verve Clicquot Business Women of the Year
• Judge of Montana World of Wearable Arts
• Member of Inaugural Advisory Board of Global Women
• Face of Telecom’s XT network Television campaign
2008
• Member of New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Fashion, Business and the Community
• Tutor at Waikato Wintec for Diploma of Fashion
2007
• Winner of the Zonta International (NZ), Woman of the Biennium
• TV Show Profiles Produced and hosted a 12 week local TV series interviewing leading business people from around New Zealand
• Purpose Built Head Office Building Project Completed in Morrinsville – Value 3.5 Million.
• Published first book: Rag Trade to Mag Trade - a business auto-biography about her life and business
2006
• Honorary Masters of Arts - awarded by the Waikato Institute of Technology
• Purchased pink magazine (an annual breast cancer publication)
• Member of the Massey Business Advisory Board (07/08/09)
2005
• Selected as chairperson of Fashion Industry NZ (FINZ) (Remained Chair 2006/2007)
• Bought Her Business magazine and networks
Winner of:
• Her Business Woman of the Year 2005
• Her Business Citizenship Award 2005
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Retail Consumer & Industrial Products Award 2005
2002
• Winner of the Her Business - Business Leadership Award
• Winner of the Waikato Retail Business of the Year

Primary sponsor of:
• All New Zealand Breast Cancer Initiatives
• SPCA
• Starship
• Waikato Breast Cancer Trust
• Look Good Feel Better
• Dress for Success
• True Colours Charitable Trust

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www.hermagazine.co.nz
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