Kiama’s Terralong and Manning Streets and Gerringong’s Fern and Belinda Streets are set to get an injection of energy with a series of new businesses opening or planning to open soon.

In a recent report, Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, says that it has been heartening to see how adaptive and creative businesses can be in the face of a crisis.

He suggested that regional communities, such as Kiama, will benefit from an increase in domestic tourism spending as overseas travel becomes
a mere memory.

Some business owners are experiencing the tourism effect already.

Courtney Bassett opened Hart & Soul in Fern Street Gerringong on the October long weekend.

“It was crazy busy. Tourists were everywhere. During the summer I was smashed at The Collective, so decide I needed my own shop with
a bigger range of products.”

In Kiama, Otis owner Emily Herbert plans to open another venue, a meze wine and cocktail bar, in the old Industrial Brew shop.

She hopes this new addition will start a wave of night-time trading in the centre of town.

The upswing after so many shops have been empty is welcomed, and it seems there is more good news to come.

“The section of Terralong Street between Collins and Shoalhaven is moving to become a real foodie precinct,” says Meegan Van Bussel senior property manager at Ray White.

Susan Spence, Commercial Property Manager at First National Coast & Country, says that the Odessa Arcade is getting a full makeover.

“It will make the street look very smart,” she says.

New shops in Kiama
Repurposed Kiama Village
Terra Art Gallery 15/106 Terralong St
Blooms the Chemist 11/106 Terralong St (short lease as a retail space)
Miss Arda (Otis) 52 Terralong St. Opens late November
Bombo Clothing Co Moving to 1/44 Manning St
New shops in Gerringong
Hart & Soul 2/135 Fern St
Gerringong Optometry 1/135 Fern St. Opens mid-November
Barlo & Stone Facial Bar 3/131 Fern St
Body Resort Chinese Medicine 1/102 Fern St
Onprint T-shirt Company and Print Services 4/142 Fern St (rear of petrol station)
Blue Espresso 135 Belinda St (rebrand by locals coming soon)
Gerringong Medical and Cosmetic Clinic 137 Belinda St (old doctors’ clinic)

In addition, on Terralong St, the former Flight Centre shop has been rented; and the former Raine & Horne shop is still available, as will be the Ray White office.

Carter Ferguson is also moving to 66 Collins St.

by Perrie Croshaw