Where does one start? When Pack 'N Save Kilbirnie was opened about 15 years ago, word on the street was that Newtown New World would never compete, and Foodstuffs let the site run down. Surprise surprise (but not to locals who see people pushing trolleys home - not car dependant, among other things) the little New World that could, did. A Countdown 2 km away had a bigger effect, but Foodstuffs eventually did refresh the New World, and it is still doing OK.
Something I find it mind-numbingly frustrating is the anti-Green rhetoric in Wellington. We have a progressive Council, which uses evidence to see what is likely to work, and evidence suggest competition and free market is doing the job. The conservatives want to entrench the past.
Good intel Steve! Yes you’re quite right, retail competition leads pressure for stores to be revitalised. The councils rules that ‘protect’ incumbents perversely lead to sad run down areas that don’t have to work hard for a profit. And more stores of more sizes and locations is perfect for those who wish to walk, bike to a local supermarket rather than drive. The Lab/Green majority lead an impressive District Plan change on housing. Unfortunately no major council has reformed their anti-competitive centre hierarchies.
Where does one start? When Pack 'N Save Kilbirnie was opened about 15 years ago, word on the street was that Newtown New World would never compete, and Foodstuffs let the site run down. Surprise surprise (but not to locals who see people pushing trolleys home - not car dependant, among other things) the little New World that could, did. A Countdown 2 km away had a bigger effect, but Foodstuffs eventually did refresh the New World, and it is still doing OK.
Something I find it mind-numbingly frustrating is the anti-Green rhetoric in Wellington. We have a progressive Council, which uses evidence to see what is likely to work, and evidence suggest competition and free market is doing the job. The conservatives want to entrench the past.
Good intel Steve! Yes you’re quite right, retail competition leads pressure for stores to be revitalised. The councils rules that ‘protect’ incumbents perversely lead to sad run down areas that don’t have to work hard for a profit. And more stores of more sizes and locations is perfect for those who wish to walk, bike to a local supermarket rather than drive. The Lab/Green majority lead an impressive District Plan change on housing. Unfortunately no major council has reformed their anti-competitive centre hierarchies.