Couple's business confidence in Whangarei grows

Himanshu Sharma and wife Monisha are looking forward to opening their third shop in town. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Himanshu Sharma and wife Monisha are optimists when it comes to doing business.

The young couple are defying concerns the retail sector in central Whangarei is stagnant, opening a third shop in eight months and have not ruled out more over the next few years.

"Rents are high and shops may be empty in town but the time to negotiate leases and get into business is now. If people have confidence in doing business in Whangarei now, they can make a fortune in the next two years through astute planning and management," Mr Sharma said.

The 28-year-old came to New Zealand from India in 2007 to study hospitality at the Auckland University of Technology and is a qualified chef, baker and barista.

He also studied business management at NorthTec before working in Countdown stores in the upper North Island for eight years.

"The work and pay were good but I had always wanted to start my own business. At Countdown I aspired to become a grocery manager but it was hard."

He started a courier business in Whangarei in April last year after his wife suggested they open their own business.

Mr Sharma said he saved enough money to open the Rainbow Dairy on Rust Ave in August.

An opportunity arose at The Strand and he grabbed it with both hands by opening the Strand Convenience Shop this month.

"I've had such a good response from customers at The Strand shop. The revenue I was expecting in about six months I got it in three weeks. Besides, that shop has also in a way revived The Strand.

"My business confidence in Whangarei is growing. Look at the new Quest Apartments across the road from my shop. When it opened, a lot of people said it was not a good investment.

"Now I get 16 to 17 guests from there daily into my shop so the spinoff from an investment like that can be huge, especially on small to medium businesses in town."

With two shops up and running, Mr Sharma negotiated the lease for a vacant building that used to be owned by Red Cross on Bank St opposite Idea Services and plans to open a food mart selling vegetables, meat products and food.

The new shop will open next month.

He acknowledged the support of family, friends, and local authorities after starting his own businesses.

In November last year, the Northern Advocate surveyed the CBD and found 43 empty premises. Rent in the CBD could cost anything between $100 and $600 per sq m.