Shoppers return to the CBD
Hamilton’s first weekend at level 2 brought a sense of positivity to the CBD’s businesses, but spending still fell short of pre-Covid levels.
Hamilton CBD Association general manager Vanessa Williams said she was optimistic that residents were supporting local businesses over the weekend.
She said that since last Thursday shoppers have been returning to the CBD and expected more numbers over the coming weeks with office workers also returning.
“Numbers of shoppers were not back to pre-Covid levels but people who were out — were out buying rather than just window shopping,” Ms Williams said.
“There has been really good camaraderie amongst the business owners, particularly hospitality and retail who were really happy to be opening their doors again.”
Ms Williams said the weekend provided a good starting point for businesses opening back up, and getting up to date with the rules around level two.
“Many of them have changed their layouts to accommodate safety requirements and contact tracing has been incorporated as a required business practice. Local support was also mentioned many times by people out shopping and eating and I hope this becomes embedded as a new normal to look local first.”
Ms Williams said she was pleased that the 2020 Budget provided some breathing spaces for local businesses in the short term, but said more detail was needed for long term growth.
“The 2020 Budget has certainly provided some breathing space for businesses with the wage subsidy extension, however not in terms of other business expenses such as rent relief,” Ms Williams said.
“There are many people, myself included, who are waiting to see what will come next in terms of outlining growth plans and the foundations for economic redevelopment. I am hoping to see some sector specific strategies that can help the rebuild of the economy.”