In the past fortnight Gracious Giving and Mitchell’s Shoes have added to the growing list of business closures. 

The central business precinct is littered with empty shops, yet Tenterfield Shire Council’s Economic Development Officer Harry Bolton said the town will roll with the punches and come out stronger.

“The dynamic of small businesses has changed – some have to become more diverse,” he said. 

Mr Bolton pointed to the closure of the iconic Mitchell’s Shoes, saying too many businesses might be offering similar services.

“In the main street there are six businesses selling shoes and another three that stock work boots – everyone wants a slice of the pie and there’s nothing wrong with that, it just makes it difficult.

“We can only look at our neighbours and see we’re not alone in these things – it’s happening right across all rural areas.

Online sales have had a crippling effect on regional businesses nationwide and Mr Bolton said it was unlikely we’d see a deterioration in that trend. 

“We’re a small community with global access. You now have more accessibility to goods and services online – you’re never going to stop that, but we have to evolve with it,” he said.

With the closure of Glen Innes’s Target Country, rumours were abound that Tenterfield’s store could follow suit.

A local Target manager said it would “definitely not be closing” while Target’s hierarchy have dampened the speculation.

“While we are always looking to ensure we have the right stores in the right locations for our customers, we don’t propose to speculate on individual stores,” the Target spokesperson said.

Mr Bolton encouraged locals to be conscientious when next purchasing a jacket or home wares.

“Check out things locally – make a conscious decision to shop local even if it means a little more money.

“Nobody wants to see empty shops – the only way they’ll stay is if people support them.

“No one is trying to go broke, they’re just struggling,” he said.

With the Commercial Hotel set to reopen and the bakery at 267 Rouse St salvaged by new owners, Tenterfield and District Business Association chairperson Rebecca Carpenter believes things aren’t all doom and gloom.

“If you want facilities to remain local people have to shop local,” Ms Carpenter said. “I think there are just as many opening as there are closing,” she said.