Of late, we have done many stories on new businesses opening up.
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These have predominantly been eateries or cafes, some independent and some part of a national franchise.
And Wagga residents have rejoiced.
Long have they complained that they wanted more eateries or more choice of where to eat out.
It was good to see big chains targeting Wagga for business, it was reassuring that we were on the map.
And we got the impression that we were on that map because we had the population to sustain the business, otherwise why else would they come here?
Steakhouses, Italian cuisine, burger joints, the list goes on and has had us licking our lips for weeks.
Patrons flocked to the eateries in their opening weeks to sample a little of what was on offer.
And there seems to be a steady flow of business since then.
But former business owners are now saying that the saturation is doing more harm than good.
Businesses are having to shut their doors because, ironically, Wagga is now too saturated.
From a customer’s perspective, it’s been fantastic to have a wide variety of food options available.
But from a shop owner’s perspective, they are saying it’s too hard to compete now that the market is so saturated.
Wagga’s population is expected to grow but cafe owners said they couldn’t sustain their business while they were waiting for the predicted boom.
And it begs the question, have these businesses opened too soon or have Wagga residents soured on old eateries in favour of the new?
Or are people just not spending much at restaurants these days?
It’s a shame to see old faithfuls close but arguably there is room for existing and new eateries.
And it’s not just eateries, retailers said they have been stung by new businesses and the rise of online shopping.
Surely there is a way for old and new to co-exist.
How is a city meant to grow if the market only allows for pre-existing retailers?
Let’s embrace the new while not forgetting about those we have supported for years.