Farmers' Market a big success for city retailers (+video)

Chef Michael Van de Elzen judges an apple pie contest at the farmers market. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua retailers say the Farmers Market, held for the first time on Sunday in the City Focus, was a great success and brought in plenty of customers on what is usually a slow trading day.

Rotorua Lakes Council invested $120,000 into the creation of the market, with annual operating costs budgeted at $80,000, and is expecting the market to be self-funding and break even within four years.

Inner City Focus Group spokesman Mike Steiner said it was a great start, despite the weather.

"It blew me away the sheer number of people who were there as it was really bucketing down. The atmosphere was electric and there were all sorts of people there.

"We have had great feedback from retailers who were delighted there were so many people on the streets and their takings were up remarkably."

Smiths Sports Shoes co-owner Graeme Best said he opened n April and Rotorua had "exceeded expectations quite a bit".

"We left Rotorua in 2006 and when I came back it was a totally different vibe, things are looking great."

He said the market helped make the town vibrant.

"We had a really good day, so I rang the council to say 'good on you'.

"I think it [the market] will be successful. I've seen the markets in Tauranga and Hamilton and I think it will add a lot to the city centre.

"It was definitely worth opening on the Sunday. When we get a really sunny Sunday it will go off," Mr Best said.

McLeod's Booksellers owner David Thorpe said the store was a lot busier compared with the same day last year.

Nandia Lines and Nuku Lines, 3, at the Rotorua Farmers Market. Photo/Ben Fraser

"There were definitely a lot more people in town and I'm absolutely sure the new market is the way to go.

"From a retail point of view there is no question the CBD is alive and kicking when three years ago it was dead and dying," he said.

The council's Strategy and Partnerships group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said the market was a success and busy from start to finish.

"People said they enjoyed the atmosphere and the wooden stalls gave it a unique flavour.

"It also offers something new on a Sunday and is different to other Rotorua markets - we've had people asking for a farmers' market for some time."

He said stallholders did a good trade with some selling out and central city businesses benefited from the increased foot traffic with nearby ATM machines running out of money of certain denominations.

"Car parks near the market were at a premium and that was good for the businesses they had to walk past on their way to and from the market."

Mr Gaston said a key reason for setting up the market was to attract more people to the heart of the city at the weekend.

"Judging by the feedback we've had and heard we're expecting even bigger crowds in future and we're looking forward to seeing it develop and become a must-do Sunday activity for both locals and visitors."