Confident retail issues can be overcome
AN OAMARU retailer says the town’s retail sector faces more issues than empty shop fronts on its main street, but is confident they can be overcome.
Earlier this month, the Otago Daily Times counted 14 empty streetlevel retail and office spaces in Thames St, between Itchen and Usk Sts, left vacant because of closures or relocations.
That figure was up from the 12 counted in early November.
In an article that appeared in the Otago Daily Times on February 7, Neat Feet owner Katrina Anderson said the number of empty spaces was sad to see.
‘‘I just think it’s a shame. It’s a shame we have empty shops. We don’t need that in a little town. We need our retailers to prosper and I think a lot of that is down to people buying local.’’
Speaking further on the issue recently, she questioned whether Oamaruowned business were being supported to the fullest extent, not only by the public but also the town’s elected representatives.
‘‘Where are they buying all of their products from? Do they buy from our town first?’’
‘‘The biggest issue still is Oamaru needs to back Oamaru. The big chain stores are everywhere and if people don’t back or support independent stores or niche markets, they won’t survive. Who wants to buy the same products that everyone sells?’’
She also questioned whether rents paid by some independ ent main street businesses were ‘‘realistic and fair’’.
Parking could also be problematic for both retail staff and customers, she said.
‘‘I don’t believe there is enough parking for staff. I do think parking for working people and the customers is definitely an issue and we do need more parking.’’
While Ms Anderson was not aware of any formal forms of support for Oamaru businesses offered by the Waitaki District Council, she said if there was they needed to be more apparent.
‘‘I never see or hear anything personally of what the council is doing to back business. If they are doing it, they need to make it clear. Do they know and talk to the business owners directly?’’
She did, however, admit retail went through its share of rocky periods from time to time in Oamaru, but said it always pulled through.
‘‘Back in the ’80s there was about 22 empty shops . . . things do bounce back. You have got to stick at what you are good at in retail and I believe we will be fine.’’
Speaking on the issue in November, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the council was limited in what it could do to support businesses.
He said through the longterm plan it had reduced the costs involved with running a business and was able to contribute to the central business district in other ways, including its appearance and atmosphere.