The changes have resulted in new stores and businesses in Tauranga.
Heathcotes opens first Tauranga store
Heathcotes opened its first Tauranga store at the former Kitchen Things site on Chapel St in February.
Sales and marketing manager John Heathcote said it was an “exciting step” for the Waikato-based business.
“Tauranga has been on our radar for some time. Its strong population growth and ongoing housing development make it a natural fit.”
He told the Bay of Plenty Times that Chapel St stood out as a well-established retail spot.
Heathcotes has opened its first Tauranga store at the former Kitchen Things site on Chapel St.
“The location is highly visible from State Highway 2, making it easily accessible for customers.”
He said Tauranga was a competitive market with strong national and independent retailers.
“We see an opportunity to differentiate through our service-led approach, local expertise and after-sales support.”
Changes at Tauranga Crossing
In January, New Zealand’s EB Games stores closed after two decades.
Its Tauranga Crossing shop is empty, and H&M unexpectedly closed its only Bay of Plenty store at the Tauriko centre.
Tauranga Crossing chief executive Andrew Campbell said discussions had started with a potential retailer to fill the EB Games spot.
“While we’re progressing discussions, there is nothing we’re able to publicly announce at this stage,” Campbell said.
“As with all leasing decisions, we’re focused on securing the right fit for our customers and the centre overall.”
JB-HiFi, Cotton On Mega and Crate Clothing will move into the former H&M space.
Early Settler and Spotlight had also started fitouts at the Crossing’s nearby lifestyle centre.
The two-level H&M store at Tauranga Crossing closed in January with new signage indicating JB Hi-Fi will move into the lower level space.
Campbell said several lease deals were in progress but he could not elaborate.
“We prioritise retailers that enhance the overall customer experience and complement the existing mix at Tauranga Crossing.”
The shopping centre opened a $55 million, 8100sq m expansion last October. It included a 6500sq m, two-level Farmers store.
Campbell said there was a change in retail mix as the centre grew.
Hunting & Fishing moves to Bethlehem Town Centre
Across the city, Hunting & Fishing has moved from Chapel St to the former Smiths City site in Bethlehem Town Centre.
The Chapel St site is vacant.
Hunting & Fishing Tauranga owner Ben Staessens said the decision was hard after being on Chapel St for 17 years.
He said the main reason was that the lease was to be renewed. This prompted the decision about whether to stay or move.
Staessens said the Bethlehem store was 2000sq m compared to Chapel St’s 1400sq m, including the mezzanine.
“The drivers [to move] became better location, more space and becoming a better retail store for our customers.”
Hunting & Fishing owners Ben Staessens (left) and Aynsley Staessens (right). Photo / Bethlehem Town Centre
Bethlehem Town Centre marketing manager Dan Weck said Hunting & Fishing’s move was a great example of renewed confidence in the local retail environment.
“Their move to Bethlehem reflects the continued growth of the brand, with the new location giving them the space to expand their offering and better serve their customers.”
He said it was an “excellent fit” for the centre.
“Adding a well-known outdoor brand like Hunting & Fishing brings another dimension, supporting the lifestyle of our community.”
Vacant Mount Maunganui spot
Over the bridge, the former Importer furniture and homeware store building on Mount Maunganui’s Tawa St is available for lease.
The property spans two titles with a combined land area of 1806sq m, zoned for commercial use.
The zoning allows for retail, office, assembly and high-density residential activity.
Colliers Tauranga commercial sales broker Dan Rae said there had been solid interest from hospitality, service-based and health and wellbeing operators.
“These uses align well with the Mount’s lifestyle-driven environment and the increasing demand for the experience-based offerings within the area.”
He said demand for large-format retail spaces remained strong, particularly for well-located ones that offered the ability to “create a destination”.
“In a market like Mount Maunganui, where vacancy is extremely tight, options of this scale are few and far between.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.