Shops looking for better locations and bigger premises are helping to create movement in the Rotorua central business district.
Streetwear store Red Rat has moved from its old Hinemoa St location to the mall end of Tutanekai St, Stirling Sports has moved across the road to a bigger location on the same street and renovations are nearing completion on the old Westpac building to allow for salon St Bruno to make the move.
New stores are also eyeing up Rotorua as a location with United Sweets taking up a kiosk position in Rotorua Central, Dunkin Donuts has its signs up and is set to open in Tutanekai St and fast food chain Pita Pit confirming it has hopes to move into the local market.
Inner City Focus Group spokesman Mike Steiner said it was all good news for the town, with retailers feeling a "cautious optimism".
He said the town was heading in the right direction with noticeable increases in foot traffic and the free parking initiative helping to draw people to town.