Queenstown Retail Sector Faces Challenges as Stores Close

The retail landscape in Queenstown is undergoing significant changes, with two prominent businesses announcing closures in response to economic pressures. Boutique store Decode will close its doors at the end of the month, while acclaimed Kiwi artist Ivan Clarke‘s gallery plans to shut down in a few months. This follows the recent closure of the DFS Group‘s high-end T Galleria, which occupied two floors of the redeveloped O’Connells building.

Camp Street has faced a series of setbacks, including the impending shutdown of Torpedo7, a large store neighboring Clarke’s gallery, set for February 2024. The closures highlight the challenges faced by retail businesses in this popular tourist destination, bringing into question the sustainability of independent stores in the area.

Shelley Alexander, director of Decode, explained that the decision to close was not made lightly. She noted, “We’ve had to downscale in response to the economic times, and given the size of our store that just didn’t correlate with the downtown lease costs anymore.” Alexander pointed out a noticeable decline in the number of locals frequenting downtown Queenstown, attributing this trend to issues like car parking and traffic congestion.

“It felt like a lot of responsibility and risk in this day and age for a single retailer to have an independent boutique in downtown Queenstown,” she added. Alexander expressed sadness over losing locally-owned shops, emphasizing their contribution to the unique character of the town. “I think people enjoy the individuality of boutiques, and yes, it’s the changing nature of downtown Queenstown, unfortunately.”

Ivan Clarke, whose gallery features both his paintings and artworks from Lonely Dog, shared his plans for the future. “We’re going to simplify and take our Bob’s Cove home gallery up a few notches,” he said. Clarke praised The Forge building, describing it as one of the best gallery spaces in town due to its height and atmosphere. Despite the gallery experiencing increased foot traffic, Clarke noted, “Sales haven’t corresponded accordingly, and I think that’s very much the town at large.”

As the retail scene continues to shift, the closures of Decode and Clarke’s gallery serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by independent businesses in tourist-dependent locales. The future of Queenstown’s retail environment remains uncertain, with local entrepreneurs navigating an increasingly complex landscape.