CBD missed chance during Cricket World Cup, says deputy mayor

Minimal Hamilton central retail involvement during the ICC Cricket World Cup has left Hamilton’s deputy mayor  disappointed.

The 2015 Cricket World Cup report was discussed at the Hamilton City Council meeting on April 30, with Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman saying the response from central retail businesses was disappointing

“This is a chance for the CBD retailers – we talk about 12,000 people in Hamilton on one day. I am surprised, even though the time frame was perhaps short, that they didn’t … take advantage of that opportunity by at least dressing their windows,” Chesterman said.

He added that Hamilton City Council should consider encouraging Chartwell and Te Awa to participate in the upcoming Fifa Under 20 World Cup.

Chief executive officer Richard Briggs said that one of the challenges when working with such a major event is that retailers are not allowed to be officially associated with the tournament.

But to avoid that,  Hamilton Central Business Association will be working closely with some retail representatives.

During the Cricket World Cup there was also a window dressing competition in the Hamilton CBD, with Wintec students helping to dress the stores.

“There was only a handful of retailers that took that opportunity,” Briggs said.

For the Fifa tournament, the council is planning to do the window dressing competition again, and this time is hoping for a stronger response.

Embargo restaurant manager Elaine Hickel agreed that not many stores took the opportunity to participate in the Cricket World Cup decorating.

Hickel said her restaurant was decorated for the event – it had cricket teams’ flags on the windows.

“It’s all about the spirit and supporting the community.”