The Grey Lynn Business Association (GLBA) sees developing Grey Lynn into Auckland’s destination for those seeking ethically sourced, sustainability focused goods and services as a key to building business resilience.
Research has shown that transforming business districts into specialty product or service hubs attracts new customers by providing them with a specific reason to visit and, in doing so, enables all businesses and the surrounding community to prosper.
West Lynn Village is a great example of this with it being the long-standing home to retail cornerstone Harvest Wholefoods, which has drawn people from across Auckland for its range of specialty products, and more recently to a thriving cluster of high-quality, baby-product stores.
This specialisation has served to enhance the village’s destination appeal with the flow-on effect seeing these customers visiting our cafes, designers and bookstores – this relationship has energised the community and forged strong ties among West Lynn businesses.
The GLBA is seeking to replicate this success. The first step involves looking into the feasibility of making Grey Lynn Village a hub for ethically sourced, sustainability focused businesses.
Within the village we have vegan-focused or vegan-friendly businesses including Tart Bakery, The Vegan Shop, Tiger Burger, Postal Service, Café Viet and Wise Boys Burgers to name a few so we already have a very good platform on which to build.
We are excited about the potential this initiative has to deliver something of real significance to Grey Lynn Village and we would like to hear from like-minded businesses within our 1021 community who want to meet up and chat with other like-minded businesses and create potential opportunities.
Strong business and community ties are built when we come together to work for the good of everyone so, if you would like to be part of a process that seeks to benefit and support Grey Lynn, please contact Irene King at info@glba.co.nz or 021 936 838.
Artweek
This is approaching quickly and we are right in the middle of building our contribution to it but we’re still on the look out for any artists or designers who want to engage with us and be part of this event.
Some fantastic collaboration with local businesses will see a number of amazing spaces made available for artists to work, play and have a heck of a lot of fun, as well as display and sell their pieces.
We will be in touch with those who have already contacted us and if you or anyone you know may be interested in being a part of this exciting initiative, just let us know at info@glba.co.nz.
Member networking
Finally, last month’s GLBA networking function at the Surrey Hotel saw a great turnout during which we heard about the comedy of business from comedian Julia Clement (juliaclement.com).
The Surrey Hotel was a great venue and its staff magnificent hosts, putting on a great food wagon and providing the perfect ambiance for our networking gathering.
We look forward to seeing GLBA members at out next function that takes place on 29 August at Pocket Bar. This function will be an opportunity for a number of our business members to talk about sustainability. If you are not a member but would like to attend, please contact us at info@glba.co.nz
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