What's Selling
It's long been said that a fresh start can do wonders for a weary soul. Colonnades, one of Norlunga's prime shopping centres, has learned that just about the same principle can work in business too. After undergoing a major revamp and extension earlier this year, the centre and its storeowners say both local attendance and brand awareness has blossomed.
Etique sales assistant Donna Tindle even says the fresh change has caused some big buzz around town.
"I've lived here for two years and it?s a lot busier now because there's more variety. There's also been a bit of talk in the [local newspaper] Messenger."
Tindle says that because South Adelaide - where Noarlunga is located ? is more centralised than the northern districts, consumers can shop in one place without having to travel long distance. This, paired with the extension of Colonnades and other residential developments, is making the town more attractive to both locals and tourists.
"We've got shopping, surf and wineries. It's a pretty good mix, I reckon," Tindle says.
While other storeowners believe the growing presence of chain stores may threaten this appeal, others say it gives smaller boutiques a competitive edge. Country Life Fashions sales staffer Sheryl Kiskas says that it's this very niche that drives sales.
"Because we're located in Colonnades, we're still open to the wider market because a lot more people shop at the centre. We're still trying to find the right quantity of what we need and how much we should stock but we're learning."
Specialising in quality casualwear for women aged over 45, the store carries brands such as Black Pepper and Yarra Trail. With an increasingly ageing population, Kiskas believes retailers need to better cater for the mature market.
"It's not just good for your customer it's better for your business because you have a niche. That's what keeps people in business."
Lowdown
Location: 25km south of Adelaide
Population: 89 377
Stores:Etique, Country Life Fashions
Brands:Etique, Yarra Trail, Black Pepper