Margaret River Chamber of Commerce fears local economy ‘split’ by new supermarket in Rapids Landing

The Margaret River Chamber of Commerce says the WA Planning Commission was wrong to assume local retailers were trading well enough to withstand the lure of a major supermarket outside of the town centre. WAPC approved an upscaled bid last month despite a report provided by developers the Lester Group estimating at least a 12 per cent hit to retail in Margaret River as well as other concerns one of the town’s full-line supermarkets might relocate. The bid was also opposed by Shire of Augusta-Margaret River planners and the council. As reported last week, the chamber said the approval “made a mockery” of the millions spent upgrading Margaret River’s main street, and president Melissa d’Ath told the Times traders were still treading water after the disruption of the past two years. “There doesn’t seem to be any letting up for the challenges facing retailers: rising inflation, rising Shire rates, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, increased freight costs, and labour shortages,” Ms d’Ath said. “Most retailers who survived the main street upgrade and COVID-19 did so by the skin of their teeth and by dipping into their now-dwindling reserves.” Chamber committee member and former business advisor Barbara Maidment feared a full-line rather than bespoke commercial precinct could “split” the local economy. “The chamber does not want Margaret River to become a split community,” she said. “The recent main street makeover significantly reduced the available parking in town, making it challenging for retailers and shoppers. “Margaret River retailers have had a very difficult two years recently and are still facing a very rocky road to survive as costs have increased while consumer confidence is down.” While the pandemic forced some businesses to close, new offerings had mostly filled vacant shop spaces, Ms d’Ath told the Times. But traders shared a belief Margaret River didn’t have the population to support three supermarkets as well as another with up to 12 speciality shops off John Archibald Drive. “Everyone is feeling the pinch,” Ms d’Ath said. “While town still feels busy, turnover is definitely down, (and) coupled with the increased overheads, this is making life very tough for local retailers. “The Lester Group’s proposed redevelopment of the initial plans will detract from the main street and the community at whole.” Ms d’Ath also said the developer missed the chance to create an alternate retail precinct such as “an artist village, boutique cafe and brewery, farmer’s markets and grassy auditorium – a family-friendly place that reflects our local community not detracts from it”. The Lester Group did not respond to inquiries.