Warehouse wall 'killing my trade' | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Barber Bernard Monk is upset over being walled in by The Warehouse, with a high barrier "killing" his Cutting Shed hairdressing business in the Big Red Shed at Whangarei.

The Cutting Shed was established in leased premises at The Warehouse at the Okara shopping centre about three years ago and Mr Monk said business was usually brisk on weekdays and the place was packed on Saturday mornings.

But trade had slumped since he arrived at work about a fortnight ago and found a 4m-high wall had been erected outside his shop's entrance, restricting access to the store and limiting the view customers had of the premises.

"Our entrance used to create casual trade, but people can no longer see we exist. We rely on foot traffic trade to survive and this wall has killed our business," Mr Monk said.

Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall had talked about the importance in business of putting people first, unconditional respect for others; and his passion for giving new business ventures a head start through the Tindall Foundation.

"He's said he would help small businesses, but I was not even consulted before this wall went up and I'm being told The Warehouse doesn't have to do anything to remedy the situation," Mr Monk said.

The Northern Advocate yesterday sought comment from Warehouse project manager Andrew Oswald, of Auckland.

Company communications officer Wendy Irving said that Mr Oswald had nothing to say about the wall outside the Cutting Shed at the moment.