College street closures

College street closures

College Street retailers remain positive despite two high profile retail closures, as Jane O’Loughlin reports. 

Two stores are seeking tenants on College Street, after Goodness and Citta Essentials both closed in the last month.

The owners of Goodness thanked their clientele on social media: “It’s a sad decision, and one we’ve thought long and hard about. Fashion retailing has changed. The world has changed. Wellington has changed. And with our College Street lease coming to an end, we feel it’s time to close this chapter and open the door to something new.”

The departure of two high-end stores is a dent in College St’s reputation as a destination for well-heeled shoppers.

Retailers The Local spoke to said College Street had become very quiet during weekdays.

Moore Wilson owner Julie Moore, in the grocery business for 35 years, said the city was quieter due to people working from home, and the perceived accessibility of the inner city keeping those from the suburbs out.

Moore remained positive that Wellington would recover: “We have some good people and good businesses, and we have a pretty stunning, small, creative, interesting dynamic city.”

Wallace Cotton store manager Olivia Heatherington said the bed ware store benefited from its location and loyal customer base. She was hopeful that the departing store sites would be quickly filled. “As upsetting as it is to see the shops go, it is more space for new local businesses. I see it as an opportunity to bring another vibe to the street.”

Fashion brand Kowtow is still thriving in its flagship Wellington store, according to Head of Sales Renee Louie. 

“Having been in the area for seven years now, we have seen various reasons why businesses move on, and we find the College Street area continues to be a vibrant community that supports local, quality independent stores.

“There are so many great retail and hospitality options, with new ones always opening up. It's definitely one of the best spots in the city to explore.”

Dojo Finest recently opened on College Street, selling imported confectionary and bulk toiletries. Owner Sophia Stokes said that while weekends were busy, she was surprised that the footfall along College Street during weekdays was noticeably less than the chain’s other Wellington stores, but she remained positive. “We’re super excited to open that store and we hope people will realise we are here.”