SHOPPERS might expect Griffith Central to be a hive of activity – a place to meet a friend for a coffee, grab a bite to eat or seize on some retail therapy.
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But the reality is the shopping centre has come under pressure from a rapid rate of closures that has affected the “vibe” of the shopping experience “despite tireless efforts by centre management”, according to one retailer.
The imminent closure of Angus & Coote this week will be the latest in a series of closures for Griffith Central.
The tough retail environment has claimed at least four more victims in recent months.
Retail chains Noni B, Supre, Footy Focus and Goldmarks are the more high profile closures.
Some have moved to the Banna Avenue shopping precinct, while others have departed the city altogether.
The Area News knows of at least two more impending closures in the shopping centre.
There are no figures on the number of jobs lost but it is understood to be more than a dozen.
“Retailing throughout all of Australia has been incredibly difficult,” Griffith Business Chamber president Paul Pierotti said.
"If you shop online or outside our community, it hurts our economy."
Mr Pierotti said he was concerned by the number of shop closures and reminded residents the "local economy is their livelihood".
He was critical of the online shopping experience as opposed to face to face interaction.
"Online is a disaster. (Shoppers) might think they are getting a bargain but it might not me what it seems," he said. "Do you really get what you pay for?"
The Griffith Business Chamber has been previously upbeat about the city’s economic prospects in sectors other than retail for the coming year.
In January, it said new projects such as the Baiada chicken poultry expansion and construction of the city’s private hospital would lead to jobs, wealth, population growth and demand for housing.
Further abroad, the chamber said increased activity at feedlots near Hay, Leeton and Tabitta would have flow-on effects for Griffith.
Export growth at rice farms and wineries at Yenda, Hanwood and Tharbogang would help boost the city’s revenue streams, it said.
Griffith Central centre management was approached for comment, but calls were not returned before deadline.
