Dan Carter closes two more shops

Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Sunday, 19 June 2010

Dan Carter closes two more shops, but don’t blame him

All Black Dan Carter is set to close the second and third of his four Gas clothing stores, citing tough economic times. One retail advocate says the closures simply reflect the state of the economy not Carter’s business acumen.

Earlier in the year the trendy Gas Italian clothing store in Newmarket closed, and now Carter’s business partner Rhys Brooking says the Christchurch and Mt Maunganui stores will also close in the coming weeks, leaving only the Wellington store open.

“With these stores closing some people are quick to suggest that All Black business ventures have a long history of coming up short. However the only thing these closures show is just how tough the last couple of years have been. If the biggest name in New Zealand sport can’t make it work, then it’s obviously very difficult out there,” says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

“I really hope Dan can keep the shop going in Wellington and the rebuild from there. I understand he’s keen to reopen a store in Auckland when the economy gathers some speed again. Don’t write him off just yet.

“When Gas opened in Wellington a couple of years ago, we lobbied for Dan to bring his business north. Unfortunately Gas opened in Auckland just as the world went into economic recession and the lull has been long. Dan himself openly acknowledges just how tough this retail environment has been on his businesses.

“Dan Carter is not alone. As Statistics New Zealand’s latest April figures showed, the economic recovery has been slow and the country’s retailers are not out of the woods yet. The likes of interest rates and inflation are going up while confidence remains wobbly. It’s going to be a challenging winter but we’re expecting a strong fourth quarter, with across-the-board tax cuts kicking in.”

Mr Brewer says Dan Carter is not completely out of retail in Auckland. The old Gas premises in Newmarket has since reopened, with the new shop labelled B Original - a female fashion store showcasing some big Brazilian designers. Mr Brewer says the All Black and Rhys Brooking have an interest in the business along with Brazilian expat Debora Paz who set up her first B Original shop in Mount Maunganui.

“It would great to see Dan reopen a Gas store in Auckland ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup. It would almost be a tourist attraction,” says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS

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