Len Brown’s cheap shot upsets Auckland reta

Len Brown’s cheap shot upsets Auckland retailers

Auckland Super City Mayoral candidate, Len Brown’s claim that Auckland’s shopping experience is akin to Apia’s is a low blow for the tens of thousands of people directly involved in retail, according to one Auckland retail advocate.

“Auckland retailers have had a tough couple of years. They're feeling bruised and battered enough. The last thing they want to hear is someone who wants to be mayor putting down the region's retail sector. It’s a cheap shot and completely unnecessary,” says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

Mr Brewer says Mr Brown’s comments were made at The University of Auckland Business School on Wednesday 14 April, where Mr Brown was a guest breakfast speaker. He is believed to have said that when comparing Auckland as a retail Mecca to Apia, the difference is “marginal”.

"I think he was trying to be funny but instead he managed to insult both Auckland retailers and Samoans at the same time.

“He clearly needs to get out a bit more. Tourism Auckland will tell you that shopping in Auckland has in fact become a leading activity for visiting international tourists.

“Auckland’s shopping experience has come a long way in recent years. We have shops that boast world class fit-outs and products, with many retailers leading the way internationally. We also have a great mix of strip, mall, and high street shopping. Our retailers have proved to be very resilient during the recent international economic crisis. Their hard work and determination has saved us from worsening unemployment. They deserve bouquets not brickbats.

“According to Statistics New Zealand the retail sector is the country’s second biggest employer behind manufacturing, employing 187,530 people in 2007. In Auckland City alone, retail accounts for nine percent of Auckland City’s employment. Retail is massive across the Auckland region, and Mr Brown should know better.

“I’d be very interested in hearing why Len Brown thinks Auckland’s retail experience is so poor, and what he plans to change. My view is that overall Auckland offers the best shopping experience in the South Pacific. While we can always improve, we’ve come along way and Auckland retailers have a lot to be proud about,” says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS

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