Shop owners see value of Frankton Market
Frankton shop owners do not understand why Forlongs is concerned about losing business during the weekly Frankton Market because the event brings significant foot traffic to the suburb.
Frankton shop owners are not supporting Forlongs in its solo battle against the Frankton Market because they say the market has a positive impact on business.
Forlongs has challenged the legality of the market in the Environment Court.
The furnishings store has been concerned about the limited car parking for its customers and increased shoplifting while the market is on each Saturday.
Proudlock Cycles owner Allan Proudlock has been working at his Frankton business for 55 years and said he cannot see what Forlongs is complaining about.
He said the market only goes for five hours once a week and Forlongs has free customer parking on Rawhiri Street.
Proudlock does not want to see the market shut down because it brings people to Frankton and helps people realise that small businesses like his exist.
“It is free advertising as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
United Sweets Frankton owner Diane Fenton, whose business is on Commerce Street, said Forlongs should be more proactive in the way it approaches the market because the Saturday attraction draws many people to the area.
“I do not think they should be able to play with other people’s income,” she said.
Jean Shepherd, who has ran a knitting stall at the market for 12 years, said she does not think the market will end up closing.
It is not the first time she has heard the market may close down since the conflict with Forlongs began a few years ago, but it has never gone any further.
Frankton Market co-ordinator Vinod Bhikha will hold a meeting with Frankton businesses on Tuesday to discuss what is happening.
