Eaton Mall Oakleigh: Traders struggle with coronavirus crisis, violence in precinct
It’s usually a bustling food and retail hub, but traders at Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall say the coronavirus pandemic and a fatal stabbing last month have been “devastating” for the precinct.
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Traders at Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall say they are “struggling” to keep afloat after being hit hard with the coronavirus crisis and a fatal stabbing last month.
The Monash Leader visited the precinct on Monday and saw dozens of empty cafes and retail stores, with some traders shutting shop early due to a lack of foot traffic.
Last month, Thomas Tran, 20, was fatally stabbed in Eaton Mall on Tuesday after a fight broke out at 7.55pm.
It was the third death on Melbourne’s streets in two weeks.
One fashion store owner Carrie Wu said her business was struggling, with sales at least 30 per cent down in recent weeks.
“Coronavirus has definitely impacted us. We were closed in March for six weeks and this really affected us,” Ms Wu said.
“Weekends are still quite busy but nothing compared to what it used to be, it’s devastating,” she said.
Another trader, who asked not to be named, said the fatal stabbing of Thomas Tran, 20, had also sent shockwaves within the community.
“It was very sad and uncharacteristic for this area,” he said.
“It’s a very family orientated area and it’s concerning because we have seen less numbers come through since it happened and obviously the impact of coronavirus hasn’t helped.”
But Vaya Giagtzis, who owns an accessories boutique in Eaton Mall, said there had been an outpouring of support from her customers during the pandemic.
“We’ve been thriving despite what’s been going on. So many people have reached out more than ever to support my local business and it’s been really great to see,” Ms Giagtzis said.
She said the fatal stabbing last week had left the community “shocked and saddened”.
“This is so uncommon for this to happen and since then we’ve seen security and police patrolling, which has been really good to see.”
Councillor Theo Zographos said there had been a decrease in people going out as virus numbers surged in the past week.
“Winter is the quietest time for any activity in our shopping centres and precincts … the recession is a huge factor in industries including hospitality and I think this week is the worst week we’ve seen in a number of months,” Cr Zographos said.
He said he visited Eaton Mall last week and spoke to traders who supported the idea of security guards patrolling the precinct.
“I think there’s work to be done in terms of looking at a trial of the council having its own security guards or contractors in busy periods.”
Monash Mayor Stuart James said Eaton Mall was a fantastic dining precinct.
“It is a safe and welcoming place for people to enjoy. The council is proposing an unprecedented 10 per cent waiver of rates for all ratepayers, including businesses,” Cr James said.
“The council also suspended footpath trading fees from March to the end of the financial year, and will not be charging footpath trading fees given the recent announcement acknowledging that the areas are unable to be used,” he said.
Cr James said the council had introduced additional security at the mall for the short term and was working closely with Victoria Police and traders to provide support.
“The additional security will continue for the moment and is being assessed regularly.”
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