Businesses expand as local economy booms

THE expansion of local businesses and the arrival of international chain retailers are the best indication yet that Wanganui's economy is healthy and thriving.
The latest retail giant confirmed to be opening up in the city is international outdoor clothing retailer Kathmandu. General Manager of Kathmandu New Zealand Jo Randall said they're looking forward to opening their shop in April.
"For the last six months we've been looking into opening in Wanganui. It's been on the radar for a possible location, so when the vacancy came up where Plastic Box is, we had a look at it and decided to go for it."
"The brand is expanding. We've been looking at getting into more of the provincial areas. We've seen an opportunity in Wanganui, especially as there is quite a strong uptake in the rural sector where trade has been strong."
"We've just put a store in Taupo and an outlet store in Otaki. Wanganui seemed to be the next logical step, especially when a good spot came up with plenty of foot traffic."
The arrival of Kathmandu follows hot on the heels of a number of retail stores recently opened in town.
Australian-based female clothing retailer Supre opened in December, filling a gap in the Wanganui retail market for young females according to store manager Jhena Hawley.
"There was a definite need to cater for the younger people between 12-25. A lot of females had to go to Palmerston North to shop for clothing. Opening a store in Wanganui will ultimately be beneficial for guys stores as well because girls stay and shop and so guys do too."
The opening of fashionable ladies wear shop Precioso is another example. Store manager Christine Sheppard said their designer clothing, such as Trellise Cooper and Callico, is filling a need for sophisticated style here.
"Wanganui is very bouyant at the moment. We've only been here for two months and it's been flat out."
There has also been speculation that giant chain retailers Glassons and Pumpkin Patch were planning on opening stores in the city. Representatives from both retailers have since reported these rumours false.
Pumpkin Patch property general manager Chris Cardwell said they have had a preliminary look at the Wanganui retail market, but that they are a little way away from making a decision.
"Hopefully in a year of two we may advance plans, but not just yet."
Meanwhile there has been a flurry of business relocation around the city.
Plastic Box relocates to the vacant Levene's building on Wilson Street this Sunday. Plastic Box franchise area owner Peter Shenton said the new building site has good visibility from the road, a good neighbour (Oggies), but the main thing is the parking space.
"A lot of our items are bulky. Customers will now have space to come in and park."
He said they will only be occupying part of the old Levene's building, but will be building extension to make "a nice square shape".
Real estate firm Century 21 is on the move, moving just down the Avenue to the old Pizza Hut site.
The relocation, in the pipeline since Licensee Laurie Hocquard bought the building early last year, takes place on February 1.
Elders will move into Century 21's existing offices at 221 Victoria Ave.
Mr Hocquard said the move to a new site was an exciting step for his franchise.
"I'm moving because it's a very, very good step for us. "It's a modern building with all the conveniences and it's also got good parking and other facilities."
He said the move would also be good for the franchise's image, with the location presenting good opportunities for signage.
"We're really looking forward to it."
The Chronicle understands Woolworths is also planning a major redevelopment of its existing Victoria Ave store. Renovations have been mooted for a few years but have previously been postponed.
However, they are likely go ahead shortly.