In yesterday's Lismore App story about business confidence in the Northern Rivers, it was revealed that business optimism was the highest it has been in two years. However, that is off a low base so numbers are still in negative territory.

The Lismore App decided to focus on Lismore itself and canvass the business operators in the CBD in person to find out if they agree.

The results?

The general consensus was not so positive. Many long-term businesses reported that the CBD has been quiet, with business at a low.

Tom from Lismore Jiu Jitsu on Keen street feels that his business is growing and thriving, but it’s through scheduled classes, and that the town in general is quiet. 

“It would be great to see more markets and events organised in the town centre to give people a reason to come in, especially in quieter times like the evenings.”

Alex from The Boys Hair and Makeup in Woodlark Street, has a similar story, with a strong previous client base continuing to come into town for their appointments.

“But I’m definitely seeing people come for their hair cut then head home rather than spend time in the CBD. People just want to shop online, or get everything from the big stores - they’re the main problem in retail."

"I encourage everyone not to shop there. You can get everything you need without going to the supermarket. Small businesses survive when people choose them over the supermarkets, people need to invest in the town.”

July, a long-term employee at Toyworld said that the store has been quiet, and so has the town.

“It’s been really quiet for the last week, and that’s a norm at this time of the year, but I would definitely say it is quieter than normal. Not just our shop - the streets are very quiet.”

Alex from Tropicana in Keen Street has been operating the premises for 40 years, and he believes it to be currently quieter than it has ever been.

“It has me thinking that it’s time to retire - I’ll be 75 next month! It was a big disappointment to see the banks leave the town centre and move to the square, that’s taken foot traffic away. It’s also a problem that the centre rank parks here on Keen Street haven’t been signed yet - people are parking there all day, and it’s hard for shoppers to find a park.”

Another business owner who preferred to remain anonymous said that around the 2 year flood anniversary, business was down by 40%, perhaps due to people avoiding the emotional triggers of coming into town. She also felt that it has been quieter in general.

“People wanted to buy themselves some nice items after they got back into their homes, but that has definitely petered off now, everyone is feeling the economic pressure.”

Jo from The Enchanted Florist on Magellan Street shared that business has been quieter for her too.

“We are still really quiet since the flood. Events like Valentine’s Day are really busy - we have a good customer base that still come in for those celebrations, but walk-in trade is much quieter. Magellan Street has suffered with the loss of the Mecca and another coffee shop, as well as offices which haven’t returned.”

There are various factors that business owners believe are contributing to the lull in trade, including the general economy, less foot traffic due to major services relocating post-flood, and the fact that eateries have not re-opened or are closing earlier in the day.

Many of the business owners hold out hope that as vacant shops continue to fill, increased foot traffic and a stronger trade will return to the CBD. In the meantime, Lismore App readers can help by taking more trips to the CBD to buy and support local.