Auckland’s most transformational retail and hospitality precinct, Commercial Bay, is off to an impressive start, welcoming over half a million visitors in its first 14 days of trading. The precinct has seen 571,461 shoppers through the doors; demonstrating that Kiwis are getting out and spending following New Zealand’s shift to Alert Level 1.
Opening weekend saw particularly impressive numbers, with 46,000 people visiting on opening day.
Precinct Properties Chief Executive, Scott Pritchard, is thrilled with the way Aucklanders have welcomed the precinct and embraced the opportunity to explore, eat and shop at the 120 retailers and food and beverage operators on offer.
“We are unbelievably impressed with how Commercial Bay has performed since it has opened. It’s humbling to see Auckland celebrate the precinct and support these retailers at such an important time,” said Pritchard.
“Across the board, our retailers are doing incredibly well, and they’ve told us they’re really happy with how trading is going so far.”
Commercial Bay retailers have reported extremely strong sales and an overwhelmingly positive reaction from visitors since opening weekend.
“We have been inundated with customers across our retail, bar and restaurant to a level that we could have never predicted. Words can’t describe how exciting the reaction has been to our first full dining and retail experience, with Friday 19 June being our busiest day of trading to date,” expressed Rodd & Gunn and The Lodge Bar & Dining owner, Michael Beagley.
Mexican-inspired tequila and mezcal bar Ghost Donkey, by AvroKO Hospitality Group, was thrilled to see Auckland embracing its first New Zealand location.
“We are so impressed with the success of Ghost Donkey to date – our opening weekend revenue was on par with our busiest weekends in New York; Ghost Donkey’s flagship location,” said Marion Emmanuelle, partner at AvroKO Hospitality Group.
Burger Burger also saw record-breaking sales, with one Saturday being the biggest day of sales in the much-loved burger joint’s history.
“Opening Commercial Bay has far exceeded our expectations. Our opening weekend was the biggest weekend we have ever had, and the support shown to us by Auckland has been incredibly humbling” said Mimi Gilmour Buckley, Burger Burger co-founder and creative director.
Owner of Commercial Bay’s Reign & Pour and Public Bar, Matt Nicholls, also experienced demand beyond expectation.
“We’re so excited to be open after all the challenges we faced in the lead up to launch, including a world-wide pandemic, and the results could not have been better. We are proud to be part of Commercial Bay and serve visitors to Harbour Eats,” commented Nicholls.
Rt Hon, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Rt Hon, Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland; Hon Phil Twyford; and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei unveiled the much anticipated $1b development in the heart of the city. Commercial Bay is open now, with retailers open between 9am and 7pm, and Harbour Eats open from 7am until 10pm. Select restaurants and bars will be open until midnight.
