Regular shopper Chance Bartlett headed in on Thursday morning to buy what she could before the lights go out.
“I come here every time I get paid,” she told Hawke’s Bay Today.
“The closure is sad because there aren’t many good shops here, especially for jeans.”
Another regular customer, Shelby Lewis, said she “hated” the news and rushed in after seeing the closure notice on Facebook.
“I came to get some deals before it’s gone,” she said.
Hawke’s Bay Today approached Cotton On’s national media team for comment, but had not received a response by publication time.
Hastings City Business Association general manager Lucinda Perry said Cotton On had long been a valued part of the city’s retail mix.
“Any long-standing store’s closure is disappointing for the business community,” she said.
However, she says the overall sentiment among Hastings’ businesses is “increasingly positive” for 2026.
“We’re seeing more activity and a lot happening behind the scenes that will continue to lift the CBD,” Perry said.
“The KiwiRail and council redevelopment work on the fountain and city mall area is under way now, and together with private developer investment, we will see more of a positive impact.”
Perry said that, during the development phase, the association plans to bring the ice rink back to the city centre, rolling out street-based campaigns in the coming months, and working closely with local businesses.
“We’re focused on making sure the city centre continues to evolve into a vibrant, attractive place to shop, dine and experience.”
