Overall mood is increasingly positive as total retail spend is up 12.7 percent in Takapuna, Auckland according to Marketview retail data released by the Takapuna Business Association. The rise in retail spend is twice that of the rest of the Auckland region which saw a 6.2 percent increase.
Comparing March and May this year paints a positive picture as accommodation spend saw a 72.9 percent increase while spend on cafes, restaurants, bars and takeaways was up 22.9 percent.
On the long road to recovery from eight months of lockdowns, things are generally getting better with more people on the streets, enjoying the restaurants, bars and shopping that Takapuna has to offer.
Chief Executive of the Takapuna Business Association, Terence Harpur is calling on the area’s commercial leaders to bring their teams back to the office more days of the week. To Harpur, this will not only improve work culture but help local retailers in the North Shore’s key metropolitan centre. As a place of employment, Takapuna offers an exceptional work/life balance with a white sand beach to walk in during lunch breaks, dozens of hospitality options and after-work events along with a cinema and theatre.
“Like everyone else, we took a major hit with so many people working from home over the past two years, and in recent months many have been isolating at home sick. However, the borders have opened, almost all restrictions have lifted, and it’s time for normality to return. We really appreciate those who have made a conscious decision to shop local.”
Chief Executive of the Takapuna Business Association, Terence Harpur
The North Shore business leader says while recent data has been positive, there’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge.
“We are by no means through this. Nationwide consumer confidence is down, inflation is skyrocketing, and most businesses are facing staff shortages as well as a myriad of supply issues.”
One silver lining of the last two years has been the recognition by the public that if they want a vibrant town centre, they need to support it.
Inspiring confidence in Takapuna has been its new retail focused semi-pedestrianised high street, Hurstmere Road, a boost in parking availability with nearly 4000 spaces now available, and the recently confirmed $400 million mixed-use development surrounding the highly anticipated Waiwharariki Anzac Square.
Property specialists are reporting strong interest in local commercial and retail leasing opportunities. New apartment buildings have helped boost pedestrian counts, with several new tenancies also confirmed in office and hospitality spaces.
“People are loving Takapuna’s vitality and buzz. Events are well and truly back, with the Takapuna Sunday Market once again pulling in the crowds. We’ve also got The Wedding Singer at the Bruce Mason Theatre now on and the Takapuna Winter Lights Festival at the end of July which is expected to attract over 30,000 people,” said Harpur.
Find out more about what Takapuna has on offer at www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz/
