Hastings retailers humming with renewed consumer confidence

GREAT SALES: Suzelle Lingerie and Swimwear owner Coralie White (left) has experienced increased retail sales in the past quarter after relocating her store last year. Photo/Warren Buckland

It has been a successful quarter for many Hastings retailers with rising sales indicating consumers are spending with more confidence.

According to the Hastings City Business Association the latest retail trade statistics from Statistics New Zealand showed Hastings has had a record 8.2 per cent increase in retail sales over the same period in 2016.

The business association said the latest figures reinforced Hastings had been leading in retail growth and upholding retail sales throughout each quarter since October 2015, adding that Napier had improved as well with an increase of 3 per cent.

Hastings City Business Association general manager Susan McDade said although most of the Hastings CBD retail sector struggled in recent years, their hard work to stay on top was reflected in the figures.

"Another rise in the next quarter will really indicate that the tides are turning, and our CBD can gain more confidence moving forward."

Despite having recently moved to a new location along Heretaunga St West, Suzelle Lingerie and Swimwear reported strong retail sales yesterday.

Store owner Coralie White said retail sales had been good compared to last year, adding that this had not been the case for many years.

"We've definitely been up in sales since we relocated. It's definitely been a good move for us. There's more foot traffic."

The business association highlighted that free parking in the Hastings CBD, the Kmart upgrade and redevelopment of the Albert Square and East side had given the area a boost to compete for shoppers.

Central Hawke's Bay Retailers Association chairwoman Denise Skilton said Central Hawke's Bay had also been humming along and enjoying the benefits of increased traffic flow through the area

"We're probably getting an increase in visitors. It's a constant flow, more than what we would normally have this year."

Ms Skilton also said businesses in Central Hawke's Bay had been diversifying their stock which had been beneficial for the small community.

"The shops here are getting more specific in terms of what they are selling so they're not crossing over in stock. Each shop is selling something different. It's good for a small town."