The Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce says about 200 businesses in the central city have moved to other towns since the February earthquake, but it believes most will return.
Chief executive Peter Townsend says the decision of businesses to leave is mainly because their owners' houses were ruined and they wanted to find a safer place for their families.
Mr Townsend says many businesses plan to return as aftershocks diminish and more of the CBD is opened again.
However, some retailers say they have moved out of Christchurch permanently.
Former Colombo Street antique shop owner Grant Cumming has moved his business to Timaru and says he will never go back to Christchurch.
He says he can't afford to wait for redevelopment of the CBD.
