Retailers told self help is essential

Sandra Kappely from Waipukurau opened her Beds & More store on Dannevirke's High St a year ago and has now expanded into Waipukurau. Photo / Christine McKay

If Dannevirke is going to thrive, businesspeople need to pull together, a former business owner says.

"It's the local businesspeople who are their own worst enemies," the man, who didn't wish to be named, said. "The call in Saturday's Hawke's Bay Today (September 10) was for council help, but businesses have to help themselves too."

The man, who still works in businesses in Dannevirke, says he realises things are tough in retail at the moment, but while he doesn't have all the answers, he believes it's time business owners pulled together.

"We've a good Chamber of Commerce, but owners have to get off their bums and all be on the same page," he said. "You know, if you come into Dannevirke on a Saturday morning before 10am there're very few shops open. It's frustrating."

Susan Berry, chairwoman of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, told the Dannevirke News her organisation was working hard with retailers.

"We're just like any other rural town, we're trying to compete with online shopping. But saying that, we are very positive about our town," she said. "In fact, the owner of a new shop in town, Beds & More, has said business is fizzing and she's doing well.

"Existing businesses, such as Foster Brook, are being innovative and introducing new lines and our chamber is in the process of creating a retailers working group.

There's never been a group like this before in Dannevirke, as far as I know, and through this we will be encouraging businesses to extend their hours, especially at the weekend and to take advantage of events such as the coming Ross Shield primary school rugby tournament and the chamber market day on Friday, October 21."

Susan said the market day was organised to support retailers.

"Yes, it is about pulling together," she said.

Sandra Kappely, owner of Beds & More, is pleased she made the move into Dannevirke and she has now also opened a store in Waipukurau.

"I used to own the Beds R Us store in Hastings before selling the franchise and I've been selling bedding for 20 years so I know what the market wants," she said.

Previously Sandra and her husband were third generation farmers at Kumeroa/Hopelands so she has connections to the town.

"When I opened in Dannevirke last September I was open on Saturday through until January of this year, but I found Saturday trading quiet. But, Waipukurau is booming on Saturdays, she said.