Carter's business runs out of gas

All Black Dan Carter's foray into fashion has almost run out of gas with two more of his clothing stores closing.

Carter's Gas outlets in Christchurch and Mt Maunganui are to close in the coming weeks, leaving just his Wellington store open.

The closures follow the end of the line for Carter's Newmarket store, which shut in February despite a much-hyped entry opening in 2008.

Carter could not be reached for comment yesterday but his business partner Rhys Brooking said the Christchurch store would be closing on June 29.

A final sellout and closure at the Mt Maunganui outlet store would follow shortly after.

Mr Brooking said their foray into the male fashion market with a line of Italian clothing came "at the beginning of one of the worst downturns in recent economic history".

"Sales are just not tracking as we planned as consumers buy less and remain cautious in the current economic climate," he said.

Mr Brooking was saddened by the closure, saying it had helped to "reinvigorate" the men's and women's clothing scene in the city.

Gas, where a pair of jeans sell for between $225 and $280, will now run its operations from a single store in Wellington's fashion precinct.

"We are confident with a simplification of our structure and focusing our energies on our Wellington store our brand will continue to build its loyal following and return the business to profitability," said Mr Brooking.

Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, sympathised with Carter after having lobbied the rugby star to bring his business north.

"If the biggest name in New Zealand sport can't make it work, then it's obviously very difficult out there," he said.

"I really hope Dan can keep the shop going in Wellington and rebuild from there. I understand he's keen to reopen a store in Auckland when the economy gathers some speed again. Don't write him off just yet."

Carter's old Gas premises in Newmarket has since reopened under new guise B Original - a female fashion store showcasing Brazilian designers.

But Mr Brewer, who is predicting a challenging winter for retailers with rising interest rates and inflation and wobbly consumer confidence, was hopeful Carter would reopen a Gas store in Auckland ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.