Free parking aims to bring Christmas shoppers into Hastings

Résumé détaillé

Hastings retailers say free Saturday parking in the CBD from this weekend until December 26 is a brilliant move. But while Bendon Outlet store manager Maree Kilgour on Heretaunga…

Bendon Outlet Hastings store manager Maree Kilgour has welcomed the introduction of free Saturday parking in Hastings CBD until after Christmas, saying local retailers need a boost after a challenging year. Photo / Linda Hall

Hastings retailers say free Saturday parking in the CBD from this weekend until December 26 is a brilliant move.

But while Bendon Outlet store manager Maree Kilgour on Heretaunga St East is happy about it, she says it’s about time retailers had a little joy.

“Seriously, we are struggling here in the CBD, and part of the feedback I’m getting is it’s because of the cost of the parking, the availability and the fear of getting a ticket.”

Kilgour said foot traffic had been scarce during the nine months it took to complete the KiwiRail safety project and city centre upgrade.

“That was January to September, and people just assumed that this part of town was closed off.”

Beach Culture staff member Molly Howard said the free parking was great for people just popping in.

“People need to feel free to kind of use the town as theirs instead of being scared about getting tickets.”

She said it would be “cool to see that sort of initiative at other times, not just Christmas”.

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