Yes, the climate has served us some curved balls with crisp frosts, and successive wet days without sun. Despite the cold and wet,
the mood in the town is changing. There is an air of positivity.
Celia Jenkins from the Grocer opens for 5 days. “Visitor numbers in the weekends are up” she says. “Wellingtonians are coming over the hill, especially when the days are sunny. I have noticed that people are more careful in their spending now. But in the weekends and holidays they are likely to spend that little bit more. Favourite items consistently purchased are the Kettlecorn Popcorn, Chocolate, Gluten free bread, Olive oil, Honey, and Cheese.”
The Village Wine shop is looking forward to Spring. “We are especially excited about Pour and Explore which will be showcased in August,” said Tanya Cowen. “It is an initiative of the Business Association and everyone is working together. There will be markets, special menus, and offerings all around town”.
Vanessa Ames, of Queen Adelaide acknowledges that Winter can be a quiet time. “I have worked here for three years. Knowing your clientele is critical. That is why I personally select my items and offer iconic NZ products. I have the added ability of selling on-line through Trade Me and Instagram”.
Medici Café owners say the café is busy. “We are delighted to have such good local support. Sundays are our busiest days. We open every day except Monday and Tuesday. On the last Friday of the month, we open for dinner. Each time we plan a menu from a different country. Last month was France. August will be Japan and September Italy. Special items people love are our Seafood Chowder and Nasi Goreng.”
James Howell from Green Cycles admits that Winter can be a challenging time for business. “We know that our business flourishes more in the summer months. Despite that, turnover for this winter is much the same as last year. The recession hit Wellington hard, but the market is improving. Certainly our 6-day cycle tours are well patronised. People just love the trip to Cape Palliser and Tora”.
In The Neighbourhood owner Loni Hansen said this Winter has been really good and so much better than last year. Many of our Patrons are local. The Thai Chi, Golf Club and Tennis girls, all help support our café.
A new item, Iced Strawberry Matcha Tea has been a total sell out. Of course, our Cheese Scones are unsurpassed.
At Brackenridge Country Retreat and Day Spa, Managing Director Shelley Major says economic conditions have made for a slower winter. “Weddings and wedding enquiries are down. That said, I believe Brackenridge is holding its own. We have an active marketing programme. Destination Wairarapa’s support has been great and we’re looking forward to Pour & Explore and the inaugural annual Brackenridge Art Show in late August.”
In the heart of Martinborough, Pinot Villas’ Leah Hawkins says occupancy in her boutique accommodation over the three months to the end of July was down 50% compared with two years ago. With today’s cost-of-living pressures, there’s been a drift away from visitors staying overnight. They are making day trips instead,” says Leah. “Obviously that is very testing for accommodation providers. On the other hand, we are a resilient business community and there are signs that the worst is behind us.”
At Pain & Kershaw, managing director Conor Kershaw says the grocery business has remained buoyant, thanks to solid support from local customers and to Martinborough’s continued strong attraction for visitors.
“The General Store has held its own in a tough market. Strong weekends and online sales have carried the store through winter” says Conor.
“We’re looking forward to the inaugural Pour & Explore event over August to help bring people out.
“At Mitre 10, there’s no doubt that the pause on new sewer connections in Martinborough has depressed demand for construction materials and, local builders are doing it tough. We are lucky that people are still gardening and doing a bit of DIY,” says Conor. “Roll-on the day when the town can have some more new builds, to the benefit of everyone.”
Check out pourandexploremartinborough.co.nz or follow events on facebook and insta.
