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HAMILTON’S “gap-toothed retail sector” must adapt to changing times or even more shops will be forced to close their doors.
This is the warning from Australian Business Development Centre’s Clint Jennings, who said some business owners had their eyes closed to change which meant falling behind the times.
With many residents pushing for more shops and expanded retail opportunities, Mr Jennings said it was only a matter of time before the council had no option but to embrace the new world of business.
“Hamilton chose not to expand and have a bulky goods precinct, but it is only a temporary choice,” he said.
“People are going to Warrnambool to make their big purchases and that revenue is then lost from the town.”
He warned that the shire would have to accept bigger store in the town – unless it was “really visionary” and all the smaller shops came together to create something out of the ordinary.
“I’m not saying a bulky goods precinct is the only answer, but to be successful, the CBD has to adapt and use other methods to become relevant again,” Mr Jennings said.
Read the full two-page report in this Saturday’s Spectator.
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