The hospitality sector in central Whanganui experienced an increase in foot traffic, but retailers didn't have the same levels of success. Photo / Bevan Conley
The hospitality sector in central Whanganui experienced an increase in foot traffic, but retailers didn't have the same levels of success. Photo / Bevan Conley
People from around New Zealand have flocked to Whanganui for the 2021 Downer Masters Games, but are local businesses experiencing a surge in foot traffic and spending this week? Mike Tweed reports.
Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge manager Daniel Lynch has been running into familiar faces over the past few days.
"We have a lot of people who stayed with us two years ago, they're competitive older people with good energy," Lynch said.
There had been more demand for accommodation compared to the 2019 Master Games, Lynch said, which made for "ideal business conditions".
"It's a good problem to have, juggling it all," he said.
"We've just started to open at night time as well. It's been really, really good, and on Saturday we managed to do $4000 worth of sales in four hours. We were fully booked."
4827 people had registered for the 2021 Downer Masters Games by Friday afternoon. Photo / Bevan Conley
Just Looking owner Mel Forrest, who picked up a gold and silver medal at the Masters in the 5km and 10km runs respectively, said competitors from around the country had been visiting the store in the past few days.
"It's been great, we've had a really positive spinoff from it," Forrest said.
"We put a pamphlet in the goodie bags that they (Masters participants) were given, with a small discount on offer, and it's gone really well."
As well as the discount, Forrest said a lot of business had come from "people just wandering around".
"It's nice having these people around the town, and I'd be struggling to see how cafes and restaurants weren't benefiting from all of this as well.
"When you're born and bred here, like myself, it's nice to connect with them all and hear their experiences and things."
Robert Scott, who founded collaborative retail space the Marketplace, which is close to the Games Hub at the War Memorial Centre complex, said the shops in the building hadn't experienced a noticeable increase in sales.
"Traditionally, we (retailers) don't," Scott said.
"The expectations usually are that the Masters Games will have a huge impact on the retail sector, but it's more hospitality.
"People come into town and get a coffee or lunch, look through the lovely boutique shopping we have, but don't actually spend a whole lot.
"It's always less than anticipated, in my experience. At The Marketplace we've had a slight increase in foot traffic, but no noticeable change in turnover."
Louise Follett (R) with Master Games manager Rachel O'Connor. Photo / Paul Brooks
Despite that, Scott said having people visiting from out of town, regardless if they spent money or not, was a good thing.
"We've got great weather, great facilities, and they are appreciating that.
"They'll go home and speak highly of Whanganui, and that's good for the town's economy in the long term."
Two other central Whanganui retailers, who didn't wish to be named, said they hadn't experienced any increase in sales during the Masters Games.
Downer Masters Games marketing and event coordinator Louise Follett said 4827 people had registered by Friday afternoon.
"There has been roughly a 50 per cent increase in competitors in the 30-34, 35-39, and the 40-44 age brackets compared to the last games," Follett said.
"That was one of the things we've been aiming for, to build the younger audience and keep bringing them in.
"It's great to have them on board."
Long-time participants continued to comes as well, Follett said, which was something the organisers "absolutely loved".
"Everyone is part of the family, whether you're new or old, but it's great to have that younger age group represented."
The 2021 Downer Masters Games wraps up tomorrow, February 14.
