Kathmandu sales back to pre-February figures

Photo / Richard Robinson

Outdoor adventure company Kathmandu is trading well in earthquake-ravaged Christchurch but its Cashel St store remains inaccessible because of safety concerns.

The listed company opened a fourth store in Papanui, north of Christchurch, after the February earthquake.

Kathmandu general business development manager Paul Stern said the company had always intended to open another store in the city but the closure of the Cashel St store prompted earlier action.

The Riccarton outlet store recently re-opened, and the Tower Junction store was re-opened a week after the February quake hit.

Stern said sales for Christchurch had returned to pre-February figures. Sales of emergency items such as portable showers, torches, sleeping bags and blankets spiked in the first weeks after the quake.

Melbourne-based Stern recently visited Christchurch and said the atmosphere was positive among business owners.

"The outer suburbs are performing better [since the quake] because so many businesses have moved out of the CBD," he said.

"We are attracting new customers there. Kathmandu has recovered well. We always wanted to open another store - we are committed to the city."

Kathmandu has insurance cover for earthquakes that includes loss of profit.