Fri Sep 20 06:43:42 UTC 2024: ## Cuba Street Struggles: High Costs and Safety Concerns Drive Businesses Away

Wellington’s once vibrant Cuba Street is facing a bleak reality, with businesses struggling to stay afloat amidst rising costs and dwindling customer numbers. Owners report feeling the pinch of high rents, expensive groceries, and parking fees, forcing them to raise prices and cut staff hours.

“It used to be busy all the time, but now things are dying down,” lamented Ainsley Robinson, manager of Olive café. She attributes the decline to the rising cost of living, making it difficult for people to afford going out.

Teesha Grundy, manager of Fidel’s café, echoes the sentiment, noting that while they’re “doing okay” compared to some businesses, they’re barely staying open. She blames the city’s unaffordability, with high parking fees and limited accessibility making it difficult to attract customers.

Grace Smith, owner of Paper Bag Princess, observes a stark decline in foot traffic, highlighting the recent closure of several businesses along Cuba Street. She also expresses concerns about the safety perception of the CBD, noting a shift that could be deterring people from visiting.

The Chamber of Commerce points to the increasing prevalence of work-from-home arrangements, rising cost of living, and high interest rates as contributing factors to the struggles faced by businesses. They urge struggling businesses to reach out for support.

The situation on Cuba Street reflects a wider trend across the city, with several businesses, including Pandoro bakeries and Egmont Street Eatery, closing their doors in recent months. The article suggests that Wellington’s once-thriving CBD is facing an identity crisis, as businesses grapple with the changing economic landscape and its impact on customer behavior.

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