Struggling Dandenong retailers up against it

RETAILERS are struggling in the wake of Myer's withdrawal from the Dandenong Plaza, but they hope new tenants will draw more custom.

DRTA boss Glynis Cooper is hoping to net a few more customers over summer.

EXTREME weather, parking issues, rising unemployment and the loss of a major retailer in Dandenong have taken their toll on local businesses, an industry representative has warned.

Dandenong Retail Traders' Association chairwoman Glenys Cooper said local retailers were suffering from a combination of recent setbacks, including the 40-degree heatwave, reduced consumer spending and the withdrawal of Myers from the Dandenong Plaza.

A survey of businesses along Lonsdale St by the Leader also uncovered ongoing frustration among traders over parking space availability as a result of the Greater Dandenong Council's $30 million revitalisation of the street in 2010.

>>>HAVE YOUR SAY: Does parking affect whether or not you shop at Dandenong? Tell us below, visit the Dandenong Leader Facebook page or hit us with a tweet @DandenongLeader

Ms Cooper said many businesses had "gone under" due to the parking shortage.

"They made the street look cosmetically beautiful but it's not retail friendly from a parking perspective," Ms Cooper said.

"Car parking is a major, major issue."

Ms Cooper said the withdrawal of Myers in October had affected traders.

Dandenong Plaza Centre Manager Mark Tannahill said the introduction of the "four powerhouse mini-majors" JB Hi Fi, Aldi, Trade Secret and Daiso at the end of the year would revitalise the centre.

"As part of the remix program, we are also pleased to announce that Coles and Kmart have signed long-term lease renewals, which illustrate their long-term commitment to Dandenong Plaza," Mr Tannahill said.

Ms Cooper said the opening of the new council building in March and the relocation of the ATO offices next year would help boost local business.

Mayor Jim Memeti said Lonsdale St traders had not raised any new issues regarding parking with council, but ongoing concerns were noted and open for ­discussion.

He said council was looking at introducing more 15-minute parking bays to increase traffic turnover.

"The supply of parking spaces in Dandenong exceeds the current demand for spaces," he said.

*The Dandenong Retail Traders' Association is hosting an information session on future retail direction tomorrow (February 4) at the Ramada Encore Hotel on McCrae Street at 6pm.

What the traders told us:

>The Baker

Nhan Huynh, Old Hadie's Bakery.

"We are very quiet. The council's changes with the parking have made it very difficult for us. The heatwave and unemployment have also affected business. It's very bad."I work 7 days a week, 70 hours, and for what?"

>The Shoe Mender

Vassilios Mademlis, Dandy Shoe Repairs.

"It's not very good and it comes down to parking. Customers don't want to park in side streets, then walk. A lot of businesses are closing and there aren't many people around." The council doesn't give a damn if it's good for traders or not."

>The Laundromat

Sung Yeh, Dandenong Laundry and Dry Cleaners.

"The first week after Christmas was busy but it has been quiet. Dry-cleaning is related to the weather. When it's very hot or very cold, people don't go out as much." so they don't need their clothes dry-cleaned."

>The Barber

Mohammad Reza Najafi, Najafi Barber.

"During the holidays it has been slow, but I'm not really worried about the business at the moment."