Move Athletica closes Barwon Heads store amid retailer fears about rent hikes

A boutique Barwon Heads clothing outlet is shutting up shop, as neighbouring traders fear rental increases are hurting the viability of small businesses in the area.

Move Athletica on Hitchcock Ave in Barwon Heads will soon shut. Picture: Brad Fleet

A boutique Barwon Heads clothing outlet is shutting up shop, as neighbouring traders fear rental increases are hurting the viability of small businesses in the area.

Move Athletica, located on up-market retail strip Hitchcock Ave, will close early next month following a proposed rental increase.

The business did not reference the rent hike in a social media post that announced the closure, instead it said the move was because of personal reasons.

“While I have loved our little shop and meeting such wonderful customers it’s now time for me to focus on my young family and take some time away from retail,” the post said.

“With an extra thanks to all the amazing Barwon Heads locals whose continued support through the years has been greatly appreciated.”

Other Hitchcock Ave shop owners say the closure could be another move away from its current “quaint” state, replaced instead by big brands that have no local connection.

Emily Pertzel, co-owner of boutique men’s clothing store The Passage, said it was sad to see a locally-owned business like Move Athletica close.

She said it should act as a reminder for people to support local stores.

“It is a tough time for retail, and any other store,” Ms Pertzel said.

“If someone comes in and buys $40 worth of things that makes such a difference to us.

“It’s not a big company that’s already an established franchise.”

Barwon Heads. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Small business was part of the beauty of Barwon Heads, Ms Pertzel said, but increasing overhead costs was making it increasingly challenging.

“You come to a small coastal community and want businesses from here,” she said.

“But if people aren’t spending you can’t stay.

“We have rent to pay, staff wages.”

Three other Hitchcock Ave businesses told the Addy they didn’t want “another Sorrento” occurring, referring to the presence of national or international outlets lining the streets.

A Barwon Heads Winestore employee said people needed to understand the effort required in keeping the doors of a small business open, particularly in the current climate.

“Small business is getting harder and harder,” she said.

“Every day I encourage people to buy local.

“Here we can tell them all about the wines, Penny down the road, she makes all her own Gelato, everyone knows about their own product.”

The employee said Barwon Heads maintained a small-town feel, but there was growing concern that would evaporate.

“But we’ve still got a lovely local cohort that support us,” she said.

Originally published as Move Athletica closes Barwon Heads store amid retailer fears about rent hikes