“We’ve worked really hard to keep our shop affordable so whānau can access what they need without added stress – but doing so has meant we simply can’t keep up with the rising costs of running our shop.”
The post stated their doors will be open until March 31, unless a new tenant takes over the lease.
“If we’re able to find a large warehouse or another affordable space, we’ll happily relocate and keep supporting our community through low-cost shopping, recycling and resource rescue.
“If not, this may be the end of the road for our physical shop, though our wider community koha initiatives will continue.”
Central Hawke’s Bay Business Association manager Denise Damiani said some businesses were finding it hard to cover overheads due to a lack of foot traffic in the main street.
“It’s a shame it always seems to be the bigger shops too,” Damiani said.
Denise Damiani runs the CHB Business Association and De's Cavern on the main street.
She said the main street consisted of a lot of older buildings that likely needed work done.
Despite this, she noted sales had increased at her business De’s Cavern, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday had become their busiest days of the week.
“Things have started to pick up sales-wise obviously heading into Christmas.”
She said owners were banding together again to host the Retailers’ Christmas street event on Sunday, December 14, to encourage shoppers to head into town.
“We have done a Sunday because we feel it is important to cater for all family types, whether they be full-time workers or they can’t come into the shops after 5pm, maybe they work Saturday and making it a Sunday means that people can come down and enjoy it with their family.”
She said that in December businesses would also increase the number of days they are open, and would be open for trading on Sundays.
The association was planning to meet with the council to see if any support was available.
“That will be interesting to see how the new council is going to shape and mould things for the area and for the businesses.”
Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Will Foley said the region was in a healthier position than other parts of the country, with “green shoots emerging”.
He said in the past 12 months the number of registered businesses in the district has increased, and 14 businesses had opened since August.
“While it is sad these two businesses have closed, they have also played a part of our community for a time.”
He said the council has provided funding to support the ShopCHB Campaign, run business profiles, supported the BA4 and Business connector events alongside Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and the Chamber of Commerce, and supported events to bring outside investment in.
“The Spring Fling festival saw a massive 195% increase year on year from 2024.”
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
