New shops a boost for Mount Maunganui

Several stores opening at Mount Maunganui within the next few weeks are breathing new life into the retail sector at "downtown the Mount".
Women's fashion store Staxs opened a Mount Maunganui store last Thursday, while House of Travel and ASB Bank will open branches on Maunganui Rd on August 1.
In addition, a new pizzeria is understood to be opening within the next six weeks at Mount Maunganui.
In that same time two buildings that have had their leases signed over are also expected to see some "action".
Mount Mainstreet manager Leanne Brown said the new stores were exciting for the area.
"It's a good positive thing, and if nothing else, it shows there are businesses that are really confident there is strength in the retail sector here in downtown the Mount."
The new stores come as women's clothing store Sababa completes a re-fit and seafood restaurant Two Small Fish is understood to be undergoing a revamp.
The new shops will open in time to benefit from the extra visitors to the Western Bay of Plenty which are expected due to the Rugby World Cup. Ms Brown anticipated there would be some over-stayers from the World Cup keeping stores busy in time for summer's arrival and the annual influx of people it brings.
Staxs marketing manager Sophia Ross said she was glad to bring the store back to Mount Maunganui.
Staxs previously operated a store at Bayfair Shopping Centre but it closed about a year ago. The new Maunganui Rd store would help lead Staxs in a more boutique-style direction, Ms Ross said.
Although winter is generally considered a quiet time for retailers, Ms Ross said the timing of opening a new Staxs store was perfect. "It's the beginning of our Spring collection, which starts in the next couple of weeks so it's a really good time to open."
Ms Ross said the opening of other new businesses created a sense of confidence in the sector.
"It's quite exciting, having more places open down this main street."