2 Jul 2012

Councillor against small stores on Queen St

10:36 pm on 2 July 2012

An Auckland Council member is questioning whether shoebox shops on Queen Street should have a place there.

The Queen Street Markets officially open on Monday at 11am. They are made up of shops from 20 - 40 square metres that are marketed towards a young, Asian demographic living or studying in the CBD.

Councillor Cameron Brewer says the shops are taking the shine off the Golden Mile and the council should keep an eye on the quality of retail developments in the area.

Anita Yu, who runs a beauty salon there, says a lot of young Asian people living in the CBD get bored with what's available and the markets fill a niche.

Just because the shops are small does not mean their products are not of a high-quality, she says.

Marie Cotter of Tarati Design says being part of the Queen Street Markets means she can afford to lease a shop in the CBD.

Centre manager Alan Copeman says the shops offer variety.