Carter dropped ball on fashion firm

Dan Carter. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Business leaders have suggested Dan Carter's flagship Gas fashion store in Newmarket could have been helped by more regular appearances by the All Black.

The store closed last week, and retail manager Stephanie Bell said the Newmarket location never really worked for the brand.

Newmarket Business Association's Cameron Brewer said the group was sorry that it hadn't worked out, but added:

"We respect his huge commitments, but we would have loved to have seen more of Dan in and around the shop. When he did front you couldn't see the place for people and photographers."

Gas has other outlets selling Italian-designed clothes. A spokesman said managers were looking at other possible locations in Auckland.

Mr Brewer said the timing of the Newmarket opening did not help its cause.

"Let's not forget that Gas came into the Auckland market just as the recession was hitting.

"We worked hard on getting Dan and his partners to set up in Newmarket, once we saw they opened in Wellington.

"It's a real shame 18 months shy of the Rugby World Cup. I hope it all works out for them."

- staff reporter