RETAILERS HANG TOUGH
Retailers remain upbeat over prospects for 2020
A ROUGH start to the year has not dampened the outlook for retailers in Cairns.
National brands Harris Scarfe, Bardot, Holy Sheet! and Rockman’s were among a host of outlets to close in the city during January.
But through the challenges, both the operators at Cairns Central and Cairns Airport believe 2020 will be positive.
Cairns Central centre manager Christie-Lee Jackson said the “premier shopping destination” traded strongly yearon-year.
“(It offers) more than 160 stores and attracts 11 million visitors per year,” she said
“Our focus is to create the best places and provide customers with rich experiences that they can’t get online. People want to visit places where they can interact with other people, have real experiences that enrich their lives ...
“The redevelopment will enable us to continue to deliver on our vision to give customers exceptional shopping experiences that reflect Cairns’ vibrant and diverse community. We are always looking for opportunities to evolve our centre to ensure we meet the changing needs of our customers.”
Down Airport Ave, Cairns Airport has also embarked on a $55 million redevelopment of its terminals, including the addition of many new retailers. “It’s a challenging time for our community and local business but we remain optimistic,” said an airport spokeswoman.
“The T2 terminal upgrade is on track to meet the needs of the six million passengers expected to pass through our terminals by 2027. It’s challenging for retailers at the present but the focus on local produce in our terminal is being really well received among visitors.
“Focusing on our local produce from across the region supports local business and showcases the incredible range of offerings we have available,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the airport was working to boost marketing to regions not directly affected by coronavirus such as New Zealand and Western markets.
“Our January passenger numbers are not yet available, but Hainan airlines has cancelled all flights at present. There are a number of challenges facing us now but we remain confident that the region will bounce back,” she said.
For business owners, focusing on completing maintenance jobs or yearly plans during the downtime was the advice from Cairns Chamber of Commerce president Nick
Loukas. “We need an indication as soon as possible to how coronavirus is going to be controlled,” he said.
“We’ve already seen some reflection in US stocks that they expect in the short term we will have a grip on this.
“At least then businesses can plan and manage resources knowing how it’s going to go. I think the uncertainty is a real problem for businesses.”
Mr Loukas reminded Cairns residents and business owners that many overseas students and residents’ lives had also been put on hold by recent events.
“They’re hurting as well,” he said.
“In the meantime, we’re asking everyone to support business – go out for dinner, go on a day trip.
‘’No doubt some industries will be hit worse than others and we’re also aware some businesses will be under pressure to downsize,” Mr Loukas said.