'Time is right' to shut up shop

Frank Emirali is preparing to leave the main street as Mackenzie Fashions closes its doors. Photo / Ben Fraser

City too hard to do business in, says owner.

One of Rotorua's mainstays on Tutanekai St is closing its doors.

Mackenzie Fashions, owned by Frank and Jan Emirali, is closing as soon as earthquake strengthening work is signed off - next Friday if all goes to plan.

Mr Emirali said there were a number of factors all coming together that meant the time was right. He said the city's new Green Corridor, which would go through Tutanekai St when complete, was one reason, and the lease was up on the building.

"It's time to smell the roses," he said. "It's got to the stage where we've just got to move on and that time happens to be now. Rotorua is becoming an extremely difficult place to do business in. "

He said the section of Green Corridor on Tutanekai St would take away carparks and reduce foot traffic further.

Mackenzie Fashions opened as Mackenzie Country. Mr Emirali, whose background is in accounting, can't remember how long ago, but Companies Office records show it was incorporated in 2003.

It came about while the couple ran the gift shop at what is now the Distinction Hotel. Mackenzie Country was one of their suppliers and opened up franchise opportunities.

"We were where Dress For Success is now and we just grew and grew. This building became available and we thought it would be a better investment for our retirement. We've had fabulous customers and we've made many friends in and out of the city."

He said they liked to spend time with their customers, advising them of colour choices and styles. Their clothing was quality, he said, with customers wearing the same item for years before it needed replacing.

"People now want everything for $20 and they want the best for $20.

"When you buy quality you're still wearing it when you've forgotten how much you've paid for it ... The older generation still look for quality whether they're buying a car, furniture or clothing."

The Emiralis still own the gift shop, which Mr Emirali said he was keen to develop.

"We're not completely retiring, not quite."

Frank Emirali
• Born and bred in Rotorua
• First business was a cinema in Ngongotaha
• Worked for Fletchers for 20 years in accounting
• Gift shop at the Distinction
• Mackenzie Country opened in 2003
• Shop mascot is Miss Honey, a poodle

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