Waipukurau retailers unite for ‘We love CHB’ campaign encouraging local shopping

Competing retailers on the main street of Waipukurau are uniting for a campaign in a bid to bring local shoppers back to their town centre.

A three-week “We love CHB” campaign is designed to highlight the stories behind the local stores and encourage people to spend their money during what is traditionally a slow spending time.

The campaign runs from February 1-23 and about 80% of shops on Ruataniwha St are taking part in the event, which is supported by Centralines.

The first week of the campaign will be rounded off with a street market event on February 8, with about 20-30 stalls, food trucks and retailers open for business.

Denise Damiani, who runs the CHB Business Association and De’s Cavern on the main street, said the group started five years ago to encourage businesses to work together.

Denise Damiani said local support for their business is important.

“The focus around the ‘We love CHB’ campaign is to promote our town more in the quietest months when we need more support from locals,” Damiani said.

She said the goal was to run promotions and sales and get “foot traffic” pounding the pavements to see what was on offer.

“It’s about their presence, not necessarily their pockets.”

She said in her experience there had been a decrease in the bigger sales, and people were choosing instead to make smaller purchases.

Damiani said it was important locals shopped locally so that shops could stay open.

“It’s important because, without the local support, businesses can’t keep our doors open and support our town.”

Also included in the campaign is “Second-hand Sunday” and Damiani hoped as Valentine’s Day approached the town would be decorated in pinks and reds.

“We have tied in the Second-hand Sunday to be part of our campaign, so that’s about zero waste.”

Judy Hartstone said local support meant they could continue to run their business. Photo / Judy Hartstone

Local retailer Pure Sports and Leisure has joined in with the campaign by decorating its storefront with red hearts and sales.

Owner Judy Hartstone described the retail situation in Waipukurau as “tough” and said retailers were struggling because people simply weren’t buying.

“No one has got money, and I know that people try and find the best deal.”

She said local support was vital to keep her business open.

“Local support means that we can survive and that we can support the community back.”

Curtis Fabrics owner Andrea Collier has themed her store with pinks and reds for the campaign. Photo / Andrea Collier

Curtis Fabric has also got involved with the celebration and promised to have sales on patterns and fabrics.

Owner Andrea Collier said she decided to theme her store with pinks and Art Deco, given the campaign fell around February 14.

“We have got in-store specials, we have got $5 dress patterns and I’m just sorting out some fabric that will be $10 instead of $35.”

She said they would also be open for the market day, and hoped her bright red fabric stand would draw shoppers in.

Collier said she was well supported by the community, and she enjoyed the personal interaction with her customers.

“We love helping them out and seeing what they make.”

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.