New Hamilton market to support start-ups

Embryo businesses, creating and selling New Zealand made products, have an opportunity to break into Hamilton's central city retail scene.

New Zealand's first retail incubator park will open in Hamilton in the next two months as part of a new boutique indoor market designed to boost the central city.

The market will feature up to 10 retailers selling only New Zealand made and designed products, a delicatessen, café, entertainment area and a retail incubator supporting new businesses.

The project is a move by Opportunity Hamilton and Hamilton Central Business Association to bring 'wealth and vibrancy' to the city.

"This is the best thing to happen in central Hamilton in a long time and we believe it will revive the city in an unprecedented way. It will not only attract Hamilton shoppers but also tourists by its quality and point of difference," said Sandy Turner, business association general manager.

The economic development organisations are in negotiations with potential landlords and several top quality retailers for the joint venture project. "We have a couple of ideal sites in mind," she says.

For retailers, we are looking for high quality products from wines and cheese to art and jewellery. The plan is for boutique food producers to sublet space in the delicatessen," Sandy says.

Opportunity Hamilton business development manager Adrian Dixon says the joint venture is a 'several pronged' economic development strategy for the city, which had been losing retailers to its northern suburbs in recent years.

"This will give both retailers and shoppers a reason to return to central Hamilton.

The incubator will create and foster new businesses and the unique market will attract tourists. It's about breathing life into Hamilton city," he says.

"Ideally we are looking for people who have evidence that they have the market and production share to expand to a seven day operation. We are also looking for new retail businesses looking for training, mentoring and support within the incubator park," says Adrian.

Anchor tenants will sign two or three year leases, ensure their site is fully stocked with New Zealand designed and made goods, provide retail staff, share operational costs and operate seven days. Incubator tenants are offered 12 months subsidised rent, training in merchandise management, marketing, human resources, financial management and customer service and mentoring from a successful downtown business.

After 12 months incubator businesses either negotiate permanent tenancies or relocate.

Those interested in being part of the project can e-mail sandy.turner@hamiltoncentral.co.nz.