Low times on High St

Auckland's Fashion Central is facing a dressing-down. High St designer boutique owners are threatening to move out, saying their stores struggle to survive against high rates, belligerently policed parking, chainstores and suburban malls.

Denise L'Estrange-Corbet, who has three World stores in High St and Vulcan Lane, says the CBD has a noose around its neck.

"It's killing itself. If the big fashion brands start moving out of High St - and it will happen - all will be lost."

Ms L'Estrange-Corbet says a proliferation of dairies and shops offering cheap Chinese-made goods has robbed High St of its fashion "Mecca" status.

Last year, she suggested Auckland City Council offer free parking over Christmas. Her idea was declined.

"I came away thinking, 'Why do I even bother? I have enough on my plate without trying to save the bloody city'."

Heather Gerbic, who owns the Pauanesia giftware store, says, if the fashion stores leave, she will, too.

"In the last six years my rent has increased by 49 per cent. My rates have gone up 27 per cent. Turnover is not up anywhere near that."

Retailers say the Heart of the City business association is not doing enough to promote their interests.

* Full story - The Aucklander and theaucklander.co.nz