[T2DMan]

Retail space squeeze eases in CBD - New Zealand Herald

18.04.06
By Georgina Bond

Retail space is getting slightly easier to come by in Auckland, but cafes, restaurants and takeaways are still the prime tenants in the city's shopping areas.

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One in five outlets across the city were now used for cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses after knocking clothing from the top spot last year.

Higher levels of discretionary spending on non-essential consumer goods, underpinned by the strength of the economy over the last five years, had helped this trend, Bayleys said.

Growth in the number of eating facilities in the CBD reflected increased spending by the daytime workforce and the expanding resident population.

And with apartment growth expected to continue, Bayleys suggested the number of eateries would keep growing.

Cafe numbers were also up in the suburbs, particularly coastal suburbs.

Clothing was the second largest use of retail outlets at 19 per cent throughout the city, down slightly on last year.

However, across the four regions the results were mixed with North Shore and Waitakere City recording an increase in clothing outlets while Auckland and Manukau showed a decrease.

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[jennakortan]

Are there any great affordable places in Auckland that server red, Osetra, or Sturgeon caviar and sushi? When I'm in the city I know I'll have a craving!!