After the closure of multiple stores in Shepparton’s CBD, the News asked shop owners and managers about the mall’s prospects.
Jay Jay's Korner owner Ros Batey
The mall is looking good. I think that there’s a lot more foot traffic, there’s a lot more foot traffic in general.
People are enjoying it better because they’re able to drive through and park. This has been a big bonus; I have noticed a lot more customers since the mall’s reopened.
Speaking to other retailers, I think most of them are pretty happy with it.
There are not many empty shops in the mall anymore; the CBD is looking good.
I’m pretty happy with how everything is, to be honest. We’ve got new businesses coming in, so I think sometimes it’s out with the old and in with the new.
Perfect Pieces manager Fran Hawks
We’ve been trading very well. I think it’s fantastic what they’ve done.
It’s great to see activity out there with all the cars and people.
The mall’s future is positive. We just need people to get behind it and support it. Shop local.
The Footy Korner and Games World salesperson John Cooper
If you looked at other towns and the whole of Shepparton, it’s pretty general. Maybe we’ve got too many shops doing the same thing, and people are very cautious with their money, and maybe the wages have blown out a bit and reduced staff, which leads to reduced service.
Since the redevelopment of the mall, the traffic flow is good, and so is the parking. People can just pull in and shop.
That’s what people are like these days — they just want quick shops.
Jeff Young Shoes manager/buyer Peter Hampstead
Well, it’s a little bit scary. It’s bad for business, particularly when it’s multinationals going, and they’re the biggest drawcard to the mall, and if they’re not here, people won’t come.
They do the most advertising, so it just keeps people away.
The update of the mall has been good for business.
It’s brought a lot of people back into the CBD, but with the prediction of a recession coming by the end of this year, it’s making people close up their purses, so maybe it is going to slow business down.