Raine & Horne Wagga director Craig Tait said the commercial property market was starting to pick up.

“In general we had a lot of food retailers open businesses around town and there was probably a bit of a surplus for a while there, maybe reflected in the businesses that closed down,” he said. “I think for some of the other businesses the marketplace expansion pulled a few off the main street.”

According to Mr Tait, commercial rents had dropped a little and landlords were offering cheaper prices or periods of free rent to fill empty shops.

“There’s plenty of room to negotiate,” he said. “It’s always tough when you’re up against established businesses.”