Businesses go with the flow

The Express sought to find out how businesses were operating after the recent opening of William Street to two-way traffic and removal of buses from the main road.

Ruck Rover (242 William Street) co-owner Claire Trolio said two-way traffic had not changed the number of customers shopping at the clothing and accessories store, but the lack of buses had a negative effect.

‘It is hard to judge but when the buses did travel down William Street, we used to have a lot of customers who would come into the store because they had seen something while sitting in the bus,’ she said. ‘We have lost that exposure.’

Miss Brown Vintage Clothing (278 William Street) owner Kelly Roberson said she saw the benefit in the changes.

‘I think the two-way street opens up the city to Northbridge, people can get to the area without having to do a full circle,’ she said.

‘The problem with Northbridge is not enough foot traffic. Buses do not necessarily bring that.

‘Festivals are good at promoting the area as it gets people to think outside the box.’

Rummage Designs (282 William Street) shop assistant Aimee Rodrigues said the full effect of the changes would be seen in summer.

‘There is a community of shops in Northbridge that people will seek out, no matter what is happening with the traffic,’ she said.

Northbridge resident and shop assistant Andrew McNeil said commuters, rather than businesses, were affected by the changes.

‘There is always a build-up of traffic waiting to go into the city and very little going out,’ he said.