KEY POINTS:
Flagship store The Warehouse Extra is among retailers failing to meet projected sales targets at Auckland's Sylvia Park complex.
But like competitors Foodstuffs and Progressive Enterprises, The Warehouse management remains confident business will pick up.
The only site in New Zealand to have three-way grocery competition has been going through periods of ghostly quiet on some weekdays, prompting some prospective tenants to dub it "Spooky Park".
The Sylvia Park Warehouse Extra - which opened with the rest of the complex last June - was running below present targets, chief executive chief Ian Morrice said yesterday.
But he said he still had confidence in the Mt Wellington shopping complex.
"Our view on Sylvia Park is that this is a long-term target that will take some years to mature as a location."
"The initial performance has not continued [but] that is not something that has concerned us."
Progressive Enterprises managing director Peter Smith has said its Foodtown operation at Sylvia Park has sometimes faced lower-than-expected foot traffic.
Foodstuffs chief executive Tony Carter said that after an initial flurry business revenue was down.
"I don't know the details from the actual store but we are entirely comfortable. This is something that happens at a new centre."
All three expected revenue to increase as Sylvia Park developed.
Kiwi Income Property Trust reports strong demand for tenancies and insists existing retailers are enjoying good sales. Stage three of the four-stage complex - featuring an entertainment and restaurant row - will open on March 29, making Sylvia Park New Zealand's biggest mall.
