Shoebox shop promoters defend set-up

Anita Yu says she and other tenants have been attracted by the Queen Street Markets' location and low cost. Photo / Natalie Slade

The management of a new Queen St marketplace is defending its "shoebox shops" concept, saying it is what its target customers, central-city apartment dwellers who are mainly Asian students, want.

Queen Street Markets at the old MidCity Cinema centre, which officially opens next Friday, has come under fire for leasing tiny retail spaces to low-grade businesses that some Auckland Council politicians say are ruining Auckland's main shopping street.

But tenancies manager Alan Copeman said it was a concept that the market's customers and business operators were comfortable with.

"The market is designed to be like the popular markets in Australia and Asia, and we never intended it to be an upmarket shopping belt," he said.

"The businesses that are operating here, and the customers who come here, understand that and are comfortable with what's on offer."

Mr Copeman said all but four of the 92 shops had been leased, and the tenants were happy they could run a business in Queen St "for as little as $300 a week".

Businesses running from shops sized from 12sq m offer products and services ranging from Maori souvenirs, Asian groceries and washing machines to beauty and massage therapy treatments.

Within the next couple of weeks, a second level comprising an indoor sport and entertainment centre and an international food court will also open there.

Auckland Council business advisory chairman Cameron Brewer says "little shoebox shops selling absolute rubbish" contradict the mayor's vision of "creating a world-class city centre".

It was also suggested some stores were being operated for immigration purposes, allowing migrants to establish businesses to gain residencies.

But Fountain Youth beauty spa owner Anita Yu, 28, said there was no truth in the allegation and that most operators, including herself, signed up for tenancies because of the market's location and cost.

"We have been looking at having a Queen St presence for quite a while now, and this market has made it possible because of the lower rent," said Miss Yu, who also co-owns Gold Coast Health Spa in Victoria St.

"Our clients, who are mainly Chinese international students, are happy with this set-up and we are happy, too, because we can offer them our services at competitive rates." Marie Cotter, who owns and operates Tarati Design, a Maori arts and crafts stall, said affordability was also why she decided to set up shop at the market.

Chinese student Stacey Gui, 21, who lives in an apartment in Hobson St, said she was thrilled at the development.

"Living in the city centre in Auckland is really boring, and I think this market will help bring some life into the city."

A powhiri and cultural performance will officially open the market on June 29.