Plummeting foot traffic and cautious shoppers have created a "depressing" environment for some Christchurch retailers, although some local businesses are doing well. While many big box retailers are announcing cut-backs in the wake of the pandemic, some small local businesses that have built up loyal customer bases are trading strongly – at least for now. City council figures show footfall in the central city dropped to about 45 pedestrians an hour from 17 to 27 April. Christchurch Central City Business Association chair Annabel Turley, owner of three pharmacies in the central city, said retail in the central city was "depressing" as there had been quite a large drop in pedestrians in the central city. Turley encouraged people to support local businesses because that money paid local staff who would then spend it in the area.

Source: Stuff June 09, 2020 07:41 UTC