The big earthquake has ruined Christmas for retailers at Queensgate Mall in Lower Hutt.
Demolition will begin in the coming weeks, meaning around 70 shops will remain closed. The road has been closed and 300 parks lie empty.
However, it's providing an unexpected boom for businesses in other suburbs. Many shoppers have turned to Petone and Wellington to make their purchases.
Jackson Street in Petone enjoys a steady stream of traffic on any Saturday, but business owners say things have really ramped up recently.
Warren Beard has run his jewellery shop there for 13 years, and while he sympathises with his counterparts, he says Queensgate's closure benefits the little guys.
And it's not just merchandise outlets enjoying the increase; hospitality is up too.
It's bittersweet for Annie Robinson of Beannie cafe. She knows her gain comes at a cost to Queensgate business owners.
"My heart goes out to the people at Queensgate. I feel terrible for them," she says.
"As a business owner I couldn't imagine what it would be like if we lost that, but for us it's picked up a notch and it's good for us."
It's also good for Wellington. Chris Wilkinson of First Retail Group says Kiwis are increasingly spending more on food and drinks while they shop.
It all means more traffic, both foot and car, for Petone and Wellington.
And with less than a month until Christmas, it'll be flat tack with the flat whites.
Newshub.
