In the early 1990s, there was not much going on at the Mount Maunganui shopping strip. The pavements weren't busy and many shops lay vacant. A Tauranga District Council-initiated group was set up at this time to spearhead changes to revitalize the area. The group included the Mount Maunganui Retailers Association, residents associations, Age Concern and local Iwi (Moari Tribe).
A vision arose to revitalise the Mount Maunganui Shopping Centre, officially coming into being about 1992. Its focus was to promote the interests of businesses and retailers along the shopping strip between Pacific Avenue and Tawa Street. There are almost 250 businesses at present, offering a wide variety of shopping experiences in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere, with the beach and harbour on either side.
Phoenix
Mount Maunganui's shopping strip, also know as the Phoenix Shopping Centre, is a busy and thriving retail area now with a host of cafes, boutique shops and other outlets. It is now so popular that where once there were a lot of empty shops, especially at the north end of the strip, there is now a waiting list for available business space.
Bayfair
At the corner of Maunganui Road and Girven Road, you'll find Bayfair Shopping Centre. With nearly 90 stores and a fabulous food court, this mall offers a great shopping experience. Bayfair opens 7 days a week with 2 late nights (Thursday and Friday) and there is a full range of services including a spacious parent room, disabled toilets and parking, wheelchairs, strollers, kiddy karts, banks and ATM services.
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