A Chemist Warehouse is opening in central Christchurch, accompanied by another major retailer nearby.
The Press said the pharmacy will open a 1100m² second-level store above the current tenants on High St and Hereford St.
The establishment’s expected opening is in November.
Double escalators were being installed during the first week of September, and the stores on both sides had temporarily closed.
OLT Properties’ landlord Michael Ogilvie-Lee said this was the first time the building’s upper level had been fully occupied since before the earthquakes.
Sections of the space have also been used by educational groups.
Only 25 metres away, at the corner of High and Hereford Streets, the Peebles Group was constructing a new building.
Richard Peebles, director of the Peebles Group, told The Press that it was too early to reveal the tenant, although two potential tenants, both reportedly major brands, were lined up.
“We want to have the right brand going in there,” he said.
“It’s not a large building, but it’s got a massive frontage.”
According to Peebles, there has been strong competition from businesses seeking premises in and around the retail precinct, and many are still searching.
“There’s quite a bit of action happening in the retail scene,” Peebles said.
“The new brands bring in a lot of foot traffic, and it’s building up the city.”