Mānawa Bay may be a winner so far for owners Auckland Airport, but the new mall hasn't won any friends from people who have to get through the crowds to work. It has views over the bay, an attractive food court, 100 shops and boasts a prestigious environmental rating, but does our newest shopping mall have that magic ingredient for ultimate success - escapism? Yes, if you judged it by the crowds in the first two weekends of opening. But not everyone is happy about the outlet mall Mānawa Bay, owned by Auckland International Airport.
Airlines say they are frustrated that the airport is adding to traffic congestion designing its roads - partly paid for by the airlines - to take people to the mall. Airlines are already in a public stoush with the airport over planned higher airline landing fees to pay for terminal upgrades, and Mānawa Bay is "stoking the fire", New Zealand Herald deputy business editor Grant Bradley says. "It's just one more irritation for people getting to the airport.
" Ironically, stories about traffic jams and long queues also lure people to the mall, says retail strategy consultant Chris Wilkinson of First Retail Group. "It sounds crazy but it almost drives people in itself." He's cautious about judging the mall's success on its first two weeks.
"You see lots of people but did you see lots of shopping bags? At the moment there's still that fascination with it. It's a Sunday drive, it's a trip out that can be fairly cheap and affordable." Rock bottom pri.