Changes Needed For Hamilton CBD To Avert Falling Shoppers
By Phillip Quay
A Hamilton hairdresser is worried Hamilton's CBD is doomed unless some major changes are made to reverse the trend of falling shoppers.
Kaleb Phillippe, part owner of hairdressing company The Engine Room in Alexandra St, Hamilton, is concerned about the future of all Hamilton City downtown businesses.
"I am getting the same concerns expressed by a number of other business owners, some of which are going to move elsewhere," Mr Phillippe said.
"You only have to look at the number of shops that are vacant to realise we have a serious problem," he said.
Mr Phillippe said the introduction of free carparking from Wednesday to Sunday would assist.
"Hamilton's other major shopping areas have free parking which is a real drawcard for shoppers," Mr Phillippe said.
He also suggested making Wednesday a late night in the CBD and more inner-city apartments will be ways of increasing sales.
"If we don't do something business sales are going to slump further and before we know it there will be very few shops in the CBD," he said.