Mount Barker is ballooning but not every business is optimistic about a boom
Despite rapid population growth in Mount Barker, South Australia, local business owners report that rising operational costs and cost-of-living pressures are hurting their profitability. While the town is expanding, retail businesses are struggling to convert new residents into consistent revenue.
Why it matters
This highlights the disconnect between regional population growth and the economic health of small businesses during inflationary periods.
Alexandra Thornhill described her boutique as one of the few remaining clothing shops in Mount Barker. ( ABC News: Angus Paterson )
Mount Barker is one of SA's fastest growing communities, creating thousands of potential new customers to support local businesses.
But the ABC has spoken with shopkeepers who are concerned about rising cost pressures.
The district council and business groups are optimistic about future growth for the town's retail community.
Link copied Share Share article Despite Mount Barker's rapidly growing population, some of its main street businesses are not feeling the boom.
The district is expected to grow to about 51,000 residents by 2035, mostly concentrated in the Mount Barker township.
But local businesses say higher operational costs, tighter wallets amid a cost-of-living crisis, and competition from online retail are pushing them to the brink.
Scott Fairley's family has run comfort shoe shops in the Adelaide Hills since 1927.
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