Hastings' CBD has received a lift with three new shops in the central mall in the former Farmers for Home building.
The Cotton On mega store, PaperPlus and Caroline Eve all opened this week.
Hastings City Business Association acting general manager Sandra Hazlehurst said the openings tops off a yearof continued investment in Hastings retail.
"This year we have seen unprecedented levels of investment in the CBD with the opening of a new Farmers store, purchase of several sites for redevelopment, including the old Power Board building, and numerous tenancy changes," she said.
"This development, in particular, will have a positive impact and help to re-activate this area of town. Cotton On will be an incredible foot-traffic driver and help to fill the youth-based fashion gap which until now has had a limited offering."
The shops will be officially opened on Saturday by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule.
A tenant for a smaller unit is being sought by developer Wallace Development.
"The PaperPlus store will also have a Post Office which will take pressure off the NZ Post Shop in Market St which is particularly busy at this time of the year," Ms Hazlehurst said.
"Hastings City Business Association has worked with a number of developers on this site since early 2007. It's fantastic to see a local developer take the initiative and finally have it open.
"The development demonstrates a high level of confidence in Hastings CBD from both developers and retailers and will act as a catalyst to generate continued interest."
