Are You One Of The Movers & Groovers In Nelson City?
Uniquely Nelson (UN) is answering the call of the public who want to know where their favourite retailers, cafes, restaurants and service businesses are in the city.
UN manager Simon Duffy says people have told the organization they are getting confused about what is happening in the city, especially after the announcement of Morrison Square’s closure.
“The problem we are facing is that people are hearing about the closures in the city, but not the openings. So, we want to help by getting the information out there about where everything is now or is about to be.
“Cities are dynamic and always changing – change is normal, and we shouldn’t be scared of it,” says Simon. “There is no question that the closure of Morrison Square, the current economic environment and the change in spending habits over the last decade has seen more movement this year than other years, but the key point to make is that there is movement – businesses are still here in the CBD. As leases come up and businesses change, they look at what other spaces there are for them. Lately some have been forced to move, such as the Morrison Square businesses, but for others they have chosen to move.
“I haven’t spoken to everyone yet, but these are just some of the businesses that are part of our changing city – the actual list is long and paints a picture of a lot going on in the city.”
The ‘movers and groovers’ include businesses who have already moved around the city or recently opened up. They include Little Beehive who moved from Bridge to Hardy Street, Shuttlerock has moved down Bridge Street, CNX has moved from Collingwood to Bridge Street, Louise Douglas has moved upstairs on Hardy, Beetees moved to where the old Gustaves Menswear used to be. Matthews Eyecare has opened a new glasswear business on Hardy Street, Devon Bakery has opened on Hardy Street, Save More has opened in Wakatu carpark, and Flo & Frankie have moved to the corner of Trafalgar and Bridge Street. The Rock Box shifted to Trafalgar Street, and Merric, has relocated to the old Cotton On Kids. Meanwhile, cash flow finance company FUNDTAP is moving their team into offices on Hardy St.
The retail, hospitality and businesses who are ‘staying and playing’ include Shine Design Store, Craig Potton Gallery, Urban, Sprig & Fern Hardy St, Crackerjacks, Little India, Health 2000, House of Travel, Boost your Learning, Beggs Music, Matthews Eyecare, Kuske Individual Eyewear, Eclectic Antique Centre and Loafers Bakery, to mention just a few.
Shine Design Store’s owner Jo Menary has been operating in the Nelson CBD for 23 years and is one of the Hardy St stayers.
“I love being part of the boutique retail offering in Nelson,” says Jo. “Winter is always a slower season for us, but we have actually been well supported this year. And people who head overseas for winter are now arriving back, and they are telling me they didn’t shop for clothes overseas as it was too expensive, so they are shopping for spring and summer in Nelson”.
“I think the Morrison Square closure has been a shock for people, but the square is just a small part of the city – there are still many of us here – lots of options, says Simon Duffy.
Debbie King, Flo & Frankie’s Nelson manager says Trafalgar Street was a game changer for the store. “We absolutely love working here on the main street in the Nelson CBD. What a great vibe!”
Dan Monopoli, owner of Urban Eatery and Parts and Service on Hardy St is gearing up for a good summer in hospitality. “Urban has an incredibly loyal following who love our food and atmosphere, so we have been ticking along like we normally do in winter,” says Dan. “We put a pause on Parts and Service over the last six months, but we are now renovating the space to open a fresh restaurant offering before Christmas. I have heard that tourist bookings for this coming summer are looking good, so we are getting ready for a busy time.”
A few months ago, Nelson Tasman commercial and retail property investors Tinline Property revealed details about its new development at 55 Bridge St.
Tinline Property’s CEO Jamie Gaskell said that the company was pleased its new building would be part of the revitalisation of Bridge Street, and the city as a whole. “In my opinion, Nelson city is the region’s creative and commercial hub, with the museum, and galleries, great cafes, restaurants and interesting retail all around the CBD, and many commercial businesses. The city has a great future and is certainly a place we want to invest in.”
Simon Duffy invites people to visit the Uniquely Nelson website www.uniquelynelson.co.nz to find out more about what is happening in the city, sign up to the Nelson Advantage Newsletter and follow their social media platforms.
“Whenever Uniquely Nelson hears any news about retail, hospitality and business movement in the city, we update our website, so people can stay up to date with what is happening in our beautiful city.”
This Post Has 0 Comments