Craig Cook The Natural Butcher forced to close in Westfield Bondi Junction
A popular butcher crowned Sydney’s best has been forced to close after a Westfield shopping center opted not to renew its lease.
Craig Cook The Natural Butcher has been operating in Westfield Bondi Junction, in the city’s east, for nine years and recently shocked customers with the announcement of its closure.
The butcher was crowned best in town by Australia Business News in February and is now being replaced by another meat supplier, Vic’s Meat.
In a lengthy post on LinkedIn, Craig Cook said small to mid-sized businesses rely on the longevity of shopping center leases to offset the high costs of running their stores.
Craig Cook The Natural Butcher has been operating in Westfield Bondi Junction, in Sydney’s east, for nine years and recently shocked customers with the announcement of its closure
“This is where the problem lies, and the malls have all the power!” said the butcher.
“One of our prime locations is Bondi Junction and we were recently told by the powers that be that they would not be renewing our lease.
‘Craig Cook is the definition of an ideal tenant, who has been trading in the center for 8 years, always pays rent on time, has an excellent trading record, plus maintains a beautiful store with regular upgrades to facilities and shop fitting.
“Even during COVID, in very difficult times, Craig Cook was the perfect tenant.”
The butcher was crowned the best in town by Australia Business News in February and is now being replaced by another meat supplier, Vic’s Meat
The butcher warned that no business was safe, adding that they had since been hit with a ‘huge’ bill to move and remove their shop fittings.
“Our wonderful customers now have no choice but to shop with us online or travel to Broadway, our nearest location,” the butcher continued.
‘The law in NSW needs to change! In some other states you get at least the right of first refusal, and that should be the same here.
‘If you’ve done everything right and committed yourself to a store in a shopping center, how fair is it that they literally pull the floor out from under you?
‘No business is safe under current laws!’
The butcher warned that no business was safe, adding that they had since been hit with a ‘huge’ bill to move and remove their shop fittings.
Westfield is run by Scentre Group, which said in a statement that the butcher’s lease had expired in September last year and they were allowed to continue trading.
“Demand for space at Westfield Bondi is high and retailers are actively presenting us with new and exciting concepts,” a Scentre Group spokesperson said.
“Our team is focused on curating the best retail and experiences to meet the evolving demands of our customers.
“We have plans for the next evolution of Westfield Bondi, including the introduction of enhanced health and wellbeing and dining experiences.”
Craig Cook has 11 stores across Sydney and Newcastle.