A number of vacant shops along a Sturt Street strip is not concerning, a business group says.
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Seven shops are currently vacant between Camp Street and Grenville Street North, but Commerce Ballarat chairman David Wright said it was common for businesses to relocate.
“There is constantly new businesses wanting to come to Ballarat and it’s a matter of them finding the right place,” Mr Wright said.
“You do get businesses relocating. They move out of one property and move into another.”
Mr Wright said there was a story behind all vacant properties. He said he did not believe large shopping centres were drawing retailers and customers away from the CBD.
Some retailers cited a number of reasons for closing or relocating, which included a lack of affordable parking, decreased visibility, comparatively high rates as well as increased utility overheads.
Former Known World Bookshop owner Michelle Coxall closed her niche business at 14 Sturt Street in March.
“Across the board small retailers are really battling and they are battling with the rates, overheads, penalty rates and internet vying,” Ms Coxall said. “When that happens, you lose what makes the city special and you end up with a monotonous city.”
But Ms Coxall said City of Ballarat events, including the Ballarat Winter Festival and Christmas ferris wheel, and renaissance in dining options were positive initiatives occurring in the city.
After three years at 10 Sturt Street, Ink Evolution Tattoo Studio relocated to Mair Street. Now Black Label Tattoo Collective, owner Erin Arnold said the main reason for the move was time-limit car parking.
“The majority of clients would sit for a three to four hour session,” Ms Arnold said. “We moved for a bit more visibility. We are right on the corner of Mair Street,” Ms Arnold said.
Whites Florist also relocated to Mair Street, while Infused restaurant closed.