Last throw of the dice for former Toyworld site

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In the property game and up for sale… the former Martin’s Toyworld shop in Eruera Street.

The building which housed landmark central Rotorua retail outlet Martin’s Toyworld for two decades has been placed on the market for sale.

The shop in Eruera Street has been operating as Martin’s Toyworld since the early 1990s. The Hintz family which ran the Rotorua Toyworld franchise were behind the toy shop brand in the city since 1973 when it was situated at another central city location before moving into Eruera Street.

However, following a change in family circumstances, the Hintz family has been slowly winding down the toy retailing business, and is now selling up the retail premises as the final chapter of a commercial legacy that spanned more than three decades and brought joy to tens of thousands of Rotorua children.

The two storey 414 square metre building is being marketed for sale through Bayleys Rotorua at an auction taking place on November 7. Bayleys Rotorua sales person Mark Rendell said the Eruera Street store was located in the heart of the city’s specialist retail strip which had seen a marked change in shopping habits over the past decade.

“As consumer habits and shopping choices have evolved, Rotorua, like all provincial cities around New Zealand, has seen the bigger box retailers and home store chains move out to the city fringes where larger warehouse style floor plates are available at cheaper leasing rates,” Mr Rendell said.

“Meanwhile, city centres have seen a consolidation of specialist and boutique shops… the type usually directly operated by the owner, who has a specialist product knowledge of the goods or services they are selling.

“That was certainly the case with Martin’s Toyworld. Deryck Hintz was well known in the community for his passion of toys, games, and puzzles. In fact the shop’s longevity was getting to the stage where customers who had been bought toys from there as children were now returning back to buy toys for their children.

“Martin’s Toyworld certainly created a legacy, but as is sadly the way with such stores, that legacy often ends when the owner is no longer involved with the business.”

Mr Rendell said that the open plan layout of the store with its wide street frontage, would suit the likes of a boutique fashion outlet, stationary supplier, pharmacy, charity shop, or high-end interior décor consultancy.

“With 15 minute free parking immediately outside the location, and throughout all of Eruera Street, Rotorua City Council has clearly signaled its support for the continuation of retailing in this part of town,” Mr Rendell said.

Office administration and storage space upstairs and to the rear of the premises includes a small kitchenette and bathroom facilities. Mr Rendell said part of the upper floor level could be integrated into the ground level space.

The leasehold building has a current rental of $11,000 per annum running through until 2021, and meets 76 percent of New Building Standards – equivalent to a B-Grade. The façade of the property was rebuilt in 1993

ENDS

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