THERE’S a real buzz around Nelson Bay despite the business centre enduring its second peak holiday period without a major supermarket.
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With the Woolworths development still some weeks away, businesses are looking at operating smarter - and in some cases longer - to attract the tourist dollar.
It’s all part of a new strategy developed by a fresh, innovative team at the helm of the Nelson Bay and Districts Business Association.
After many years of devoted service, former president Denise Sharp has passed on the baton to her understudy for the past two years, Ryan Palmer.
At just 28, Mr Palmer is also manager of the Greater Building Society’s Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay branches.
Other newcomers to the executive include lawyer Robert Reeve (vice-president), funeral director Nadine Clench (secretary) and business owner Wendy Powell (treasurer).
‘‘I want to lead a board that works closely with the business owners while collaborating with key government and industry groups such as the council, Destination Port Stephens and the TRRA (Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association),’’ said Mr Palmer, born and bred in Nelson Bay.
‘‘We will continue to advocate and work on the CBD’s major issues such as parking, traffic flow, signage, appearance/cleanliness and trading hours.
‘‘There is a push to have Nelson Bay more than just a 9-5 centre, and the introduction of later trading businesses such as the Sushi Train, German Bar and newly renovated Seabreeze Hotel will hopefully bring in more people at night.’’
Mr Palmer said that both the Blue Water music festival [June long weekend] and Tastes at the Bay [first weekend in November] will return in 2016.
He said his immediate focus, however, was keeping an eagle eye on foot traffic and a receptive ear to those close to the business/tourism sectors.
‘‘Having spoken with a number of shop owners over the Christmas and new year period, my understanding is that retail business is up on last year,’’ he said.
‘‘Hopefully once the highly anticipated Woollies supermarket opens around Easter it will provide enough support for smaller businesses through the quieter winter months.’’
Donna Farrell, manager of the BYO bottle shop in Donald Street directly opposite the Woolworths development site, was uncertain of her future.
‘‘We are not really sure what to expect once the new Woollies opens ... yes it will bring more people into town but what effect its bottle shop will have on our business, we’ll just have to wait and see,’’ she said.
