Napier to turn into the City of Sales

Napier will become the City of Sales next month transforming itself into a bargain-hunter's paradise in a bid to lure shoppers.

Nearly 150 businesses including 83 per cent of inner-city retailers will take part in the promotion, discounting stock worth more than $9 million.

"To the best of our knowledge this is the first time a sale of this size and scope has ever been offered citywide in New Zealand," Napier Inner City Marketing manager Meg Rodel said.

Originally, organisers planned to wrap the entire inner city in gift-wrapping tape but that proved impractical.

Mrs Rodel said the big sale promotion during the first two weeks of next month would draw shoppers from outside the region.

"Because the inner city is so compact it means the sale will have real impact. It's encouraging to see national chains and independent retailers working collaboratively."

The economic downturn was not behind the sale plan.

"We did a whole lot of little promotions but felt they were not really hitting the mark so [thought] we'd better do one big promotion."

A competition with prizes such as a weekend's luxury accommodation in Napier is also up for grabs.

The Commerce Commission says shops taking part in the mega-sale are required by law to offer genuine discounted prices.

- © Fairfax NZ News