Paula Parker, owner of vintage and collectables shop Sentimental Journey, is relocating to Cromwell after she was unable find a suitable location in Wanaka.
A rent increase for her previous rental space at the Spencer House Mall meant she had to look for a new space in the town.
"I understand it’s the cost of doing business in town now but what’s going to happen to all the small independent quirkier stores which give the town character?"
Ms Parker said it would be a shame if all that was left in Wanaka was restaurants, bars and sport shops.
"Even the visitors, when they find my store, they tell me how wonderful it is to find a shop like mine."
Ms Parker said she knew of at least six other small businesses that had faced similar issues in the past year.
"My concern is what happens to the uniqueness of Wanaka. Do we end up being another Queenstown and lose the identity we have?"
She was now focused on getting her store up and running in the Cromwell Mall and hoped to be open on Monday.
"I’ve found a great location and Cromwell is well positioned as halfway between Alexandra, Wanaka and Queenstown."
Wanaka Chamber of Commerce president Alistair King said he had not had any complaints from the chamber’s members about issues with rental space in the town.
All were a lot happier with the increase in tourist numbers and residents, as it meant their businesses were much more secure and profitable.
But there was a need for more commercial space in the central business district, he said.
"I think we are at point where further development is needed to ensure businesses can continue to operate successfully and new ones can come in."
The chamber was working on an aspirational plan for the central business district that would represent its members’ ideal situation.
"We only need to look over our shoulders to Queenstown and see the growing pains they went through and learn from their experience so Wanaka doesn’t face the same problems."
