More than 20 jobs have been created in Rotorua by two businesses new to the city.
A one-stop-shop for dogs is opening on December 3, creating 15 jobs with plans for expansion to create more jobs, and Bendon is opening a store in Rotorua which will create seven new positions.
Barkers Park, on Fairy Springs Rd, would be a one-stop-shop for everything to do with dogs, chief executive Rob Kent said. He expected it could attract thousands of visitors from other centres.
Stage one, opening next week and creating 15 jobs, features a dog groomer, training centre, dog day care and dog supply supermarket. Work on phase two - a canine country club, boarding kennels, dog park and veterinary services - will begin soon and stage three will include a cafe, covered arena for dog shows and education programmes.
"We will obviously be needing more staff as each phase progresses and the park gets bigger," Mr Kent said.
The project would also provide work for local tradespeople.
Bendon's outlet store, selling end-of-season lines, opens on December 15 in the Rotorua Central Mall, creating seven jobs, all of which, group communications manager Rachael Parkin said, had gone to locals.
