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Let’s encourage RWC visitors out of Queen St
Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer
18 July
2011
Let’s encourage RWC visitors out of Queen St
"I am really concerned that the underwhelming shopping experience on Queen Street will embarrass Auckland during the Rugby World Cup. Apart from a few exceptions, Queen Street lets down the country’s retail scene which has come so far in the past decade," says Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer, who chairs the Auckland Business Advisory Panel and is deputy chair of the council's Economic Forum.
Mr Brewer’s comments follow the revelation that Queen Street is being dominated by dozens of fast-food franchise outlets.
He says with an extra 41,000 people in Auckland during September and October, and with most staying in the CBD, there's a real risk that the quality of Auckland's retail will be largely judged on what they see in Queen Street.
"We as a city really need the likes of Ponsonby, Newmarket and Parnell to promote themselves heavily during the Rugby World Cup. The likes of High Street in the CBD will also need to make sure it’s on the map.
"Auckland boasts some world-class retail experiences, leading edge shop fit-outs, wonderful boutique stores and showcases designer New Zealand product at its best. Unfortunately not much extraordinary or unique can be found in Queen Street.
"We really need to encourage visitors to look beyond the Queen Street valley. Let's make sure they get out and about as they'll have plenty of down time with many of the rugby matches in the evening. The Auckland public also needs to tell visitors where the best shopping is at.
"Given we're expecting 29,000 Australians into the country for the rugby, and the dollar always works in their favour, this is a unique opportunity to promote Auckland as a long weekend destination for shopping, particularly when you consider our softening border with Australia.
"Let's make sure Rugby World Cup visitors get a real taste of the great shopping in Auckland. This is the best chance in generations to promote our retail sector," says Cameron Brewer.
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