The slow death of the High Street

Liz and Neville Findlay at Zambesi. Photo / Olivia Hemus

For a quarter-century, fashionistas have flocked to the top-end shopping of Auckland's High St.

But like many high streets around the world, it faces an uncertain future. Three of the leading Kiwi fashion houses that made the street what it is today have announced plans to move out and open new outlets in the Britomart precinct.

Zambesi, World and Kate Sylvester are leaving High St after two decades in the area. Several more stores are also considering moving.

Zambesi boss Neville Findlay said increasing rents and the opportunity to build a new flagship store in Tyler St were behind his decision to move.

"It's quite an emotional decision," he said. "It's been our flagship store for around 25 years.

"There's probably a lack of foresight by the landlords in the area. Maybe they didn't notice what the reality of retail is at the moment.

"Everything is a risk but since we signed up, World and Kate Sylvester have chosen to come down [to Britomart] as well, and I think the three of us will be a formidable presence."

The new premises in Britomart's Tyler St would be cheaper and offer valet parking for customers, Findlay said.

World founder Denise L'Estrange-Corbet said shoppers were driven away from High St by downmarket eateries and road closures.

Across the road from her two stores, a cafe opened where people smoked Middle Eastern sheesha pipes at outdoor tables.

"If you went to London you wouldn't find it happening in Bond St," said L'Estrange-Corbet

And the street had been closed countless times for filming TV commercials. "Our customers can't get to our stores - this has been a constant battle with the council, who close the road for any yoghurt commercial."

Other fashion retailers, including Calvin Klein and Storm, are still in High St. Many of their January sales are offering up to 50 per cent off as they try to catch the attention of passing foot traffic.

High St and the adjacent O'Connell St have traditionally been a fashion mecca rivalled only by Newmarket as a high-end shopping destination.

Last year was a difficult one for retailers and the Rugby World Cup provided no perceptible boost in sales.

Findlay said he had a huge affection for the area and wanted to see shops succeed.

"Vulcan Lane is still a great spot. It should really be a successful area. It's a matter of making it affordable for the right kind of business. The face of the area is changing."

The three Kiwi labels join existing fashion stores Ted Baker, Made, Laundromat Boutique and Molotov plus an array of private members' clubs, restaurants and bars in the Britomart area.