Smiths City moving to Rotorua Central

Rotorua Central has attracted another big-box retail store with news Smiths City is moving into the complex.

Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings announced today Smiths City would take over the
2500m2 spot previously occupied by Mitre 10 and Payless Plastics in a big new store.

The move will mean that Rotorua Central is almost fully occupied, with Life Pharmacy moving from Tutanekai St into the mall and Tank Juice Bar opening. It also puts an end to the rumours that Kmart will open in the mall. The company had been in negotiations with Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust about the possible move.

Smiths City Group Limited managing director Rick Hellings said they had been keen to
establish in Rotorua Central for some time and were pleased to finally be given the opportunity to open a new store in the complex.

Smiths City Rotorua branch manager Paul Wyllie said the new store would be twice the size of its current Te Ngae outlet.

"We're really, really excited about it. It's been in the works for a long time.''

Mr Wyllie said the much larger store meant a wider range of products available.

He expected more jobs to be created because of the move but was unsure how many at this stage.

Mr Wyllie said they wanted to be "where the action is'' and the new location would be much more convenient.

Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings chairman Malcolm Short said they were delighted to have
Smiths City as a retailer in Rotorua Central.

"They will offer customers a greater choice of home furniture, appliances and sports,
and will complement the offering of other retailers in the centre, thereby making Rotorua Central a one-stop shop for furniture and appliances.''

Mr Short said the mall had come a long way in the past 20 years.

He said the company had almost completed the enclosed mall and by the end of May the centre would be fully occupied with Life Pharmacy opening in May together with other new retailers. Life Pharmacy's Tutanekai St premises is being advertised.

"We remain very confident in the local economy, and this is supported by the
following that we have from major retailers, who want to position themselves in the centre, which has proven to be very successful,'' Mr Short said.

He said they would continue to look at improvements to Rotorua Central as they were
identified, as well as other opportunities in the market place where financial benefits could be identified for the company to grow.