Kathmandu sees a great future in Tauranga

Media release
13 July 2010

Kathmandu sees a great future in Tauranga

Iconic New Zealand clothing brand, Kathmandu, recently moved to a larger retail site in Elizabeth Street, reflecting its decision to invest long term in Tauranga’s city centre.

“Tauranga is a growing city centre with strong retail opportunity and Kathmandu is excited to now be part of this growth,” says Paul Stern, Acting General Manager, Marketing, Kathmandu. “The city has a strong future and we look forward to Kathmandu playing a large role in the realisation of the area’s retail potential.”

Kathmandu initially undertook the relocation into the building, recently vacated by Ezibuy, on a trial basis. The success of the move, including increased floor space and a significantly higher profile for the company, has seen Kathmandu confirm it as a long term location.

“Following the success of our temporary store and increased consumer demand for Kathmandu’s specialty clothing and outdoor equipment, we are pleased to announce the arrival of a permanent Kathmandu store in Tauranga CBD,” says Stern. “The new store forms part of our plans to further develop the Kathmandu brand throughout New Zealand via our stores, product range and customer experience. The new store format will meet the strong customer demand that we have experienced in this area over the past 18 months.”

Tauranga City Council has a strategy in place to continue grow and strengthen the city centre as the commercial and retail hub of the Western Bay of Plenty. It has partnered with economic development agency, Priority One, to drive implementation of the strategy, which will build on the city’s spectacular position on the harbour edge to increase business and activity in downtown Tauranga. This includes a significant investment in the development of the waterfront, the establishment of an international hotel and conference centre, the growth of premier residential developments on the city fringe, and an increase in events, entertainment and arts and cultural activities in downtown Tauranga.

Priority One’s City Centre Project Manager, Duarne Lankshear, says “We have some very exciting initiatives underway to grow the visitation to the city centre, not just from a retail perspective but also from food, entertainment, business and tourism perspectives as well. In addition we are working closely with land owners to bring forward redevelopment of their sites. Some of these sites are real catalyst developments that will help reshape the city centre.”

The city centre provides a unique shopping experience, including a mix of national retailers and smaller, niche boutiques showcasing local designer talent. Combining this mix with a great range of cafes, restaurants, bars and cinemas, the city centre has a real vibrancy unlike other shopping destinations in the region.

“As one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand, there is no doubt that Tauranga will continue to strengthen its position as the preeminent centre for business, retail and entertainment in the sub-region,” says Mr Lankshear. “We have been actively marketing downtown Tauranga to retailers, and other national brands are looking at the city for new opportunities. In addition, with the establishment of areas specifically for residential development, city living will become increasingly attractive, thereby increasing the city’s vibrancy 24/7. Kathmandu’s decision to invest for the long term in Tauranga city is a real vote of confidence,” he says.

ENDS

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