RETAIL & SHOPPING NEWS

Recession popularises second-hand retailers.

Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/recession-popularises-second-hand-retailers-3047914
Published: 1:30PM Monday October 05, 2009

The recession has taken its toll on many large US retailers but smaller ones catering to the second-hand market are flourishing as the cash-strapped seek the holy grail of the American consumer: a bargain.

In August the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops (NARTS), which claims to be the world's largest resale trade association, said a survey of its membership about second quarter sales in 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 showed increasing turnover in the second-hand sector.

"Of the 263 stores that responded, 64.1% said sales increased - with an average increase of approximately 31% - 11.5% said sales were about the same and 24.4% had a decrease in sales," it said.

Dallas-based Half Price Books, a privately-held operation that mostly trades and sells used books and magazines, has seen its sales rise and has plans to open new stores.

It has opened four new stores so far this calendar year, with more due to open in the fall. It currently has 106 stores in 16 states.

"We are buying more books than ever before so people are selling ... It started last year with people coming in and selling books for gas money," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president for marketing and real estate.

"I think people are okay with buying used ... it is also part of the growing culture of recycling," said Doyle Thomas.

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Christmas 2008. No shopping frenzy at malls despite sales.

Despite sales starting early this Christmas, the hoped-for shopping frenzy still hasn't hit for retailers. Big ticket items in particular are not moving and shoppers say they are holding-out for Boxing Day bargains. With three shopping days to Christmas, Sunday was predicted to be the biggest retail day of the year. ONE News was at St Luke's Mall in Auckland to check out the crowds, where it seems there was little sign among the shoppers of a big spend up.

With the New Zealand economy under recession, Caitlin Decharmoy, at the gift wrapping booth in the mall, says presents bought by customers this year were a little smaller compared to last year, saying chocolates have been very popular.

"There are only two Playstations that have gone through, so maybe people are not buying as expensive gifts this year," says Decharmoy. Despite the sales starting early, the hoped-for shopping frenzy still hasn't hit. "It's a lot quieter than last year, it's not as bubbly buoyant as last year & the economy is having an effect on how people feel this year," says one female shopper.

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Auckland Retail Therapy

Source: http://www.nz-immigration.co.nz/auckland/shopping-centres.html

Auckland is equally renowned as a "City of Sails" and a "City of Sales".

The highly competitive retail market is characterised by frequent cut-price sales and discounted purchase prices.

The central city area has interesting shopping precincts on Queen Street, in the Downtown complex (which includes several Duty Free Stores) and a host of arcades and side streets. The combination of special sale prices and favourable exchange rates for many overseas visitors, means that bargains are not hard to find. Elegant designer stores display exclusive New Zealand fashion garments in places like the Queen's Arcade, the Atrium on Elliot Street and the DFS Galleria in the old Customs House. Smith & Caughey's department store on Queen Street offers striking displays and a traditional style of personal service.

Weekend shopping plans should include a visit to the Victoria Park Markets, a bustling conglomeration of shops, stalls, cafes and entertainment close to the CBD. South of the city is the Otara Town Centre where, on Saturday mornings, you can enjoy a uniquely Polynesian shopping experience. Specialities include exotic foods, every imaginable kind of fruit, as well as clothing arts and crafts.

Some of the best retail therapy is available in modern sophisticated boutique shops in the inner suburbs. Parnell is super chic with its charming historic village atmosphere, sheltered courtyards, alleys and colonial villas. Some of Auckland's best designer clothing can be found there. Ponsonby is another colourful street, offering an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Other fashionable shopping meccas are K.Road and Newmarket. Onehunga has fashion clothing for sale at bulk factory outlets if you are looking for bargains.

More traditional shopping can be found in large suburban shopping malls, which open seven days and offer gifts, souvenirs, jewellery, handicrafts, casual fashion and pure wool fashion knitwear. The most popular malls are Shore City, St Lukes, West City, Lynn Mall, Manukau City, Pakuranga and Botany Town Centre. The emphasis is on ample space, relaxed shopping and a great environment for meeting friends, enjoying alfresco lunches, coffee and muffin breaks. Botany Town Centre is New Zealand's newest retail concept, being a small-scale town with its own streets and three distinct shopping precincts called Town Square, The Conservatory and Market Square. Don't miss this unique shopping experience.

Kiwi icon products which make fine souvenirs include, hand-knitted pure wool jumpers, pure white sheepskins, greenstone (jade) ornaments and jewellery, bone and wood carvings, paua (abalone) shell ornaments and jewellery and also fine examples of local weaving, pottery, ceramics and art.