House among retailers to further boost Warrnambool's Liebig Street's occupancy

House returns to Liebig Street following its departure about four years ago after decades in the city. It will be located in the former Aussie Disposals store, near the pedestrian crossing.

There are now only four vacant shops in the main street which is a stark contrast to 2016, just prior to the start of the city centre renewal project, when there were 16 empty stores.

Leasing and managing agent John Ryan said the store was due to open early next month and the 530-square metre premises, over two levels, would undergo an extensive internal fit out.

"It's great for Liebig Street that House is making a very solid comeback," Mr Ryan said. "They've got in excess of 200 stores nationally. It's great for Liebig Street to have another national retailer about to open their doors. It's wonderful."

Three other national retailers had also made inquiries about the property, highlighting Warrnambool's strong position as a major regional centre, he said.

Its arrival is in addition to other newcomers including the RSPCA Op Shop, which relocated from Fairy Street, and new businesses Macchia Jewellers and Warrnambool Electronics.

Op shop manager Suzan Balogh said the move was to increase the foot traffic and size. "We have brought a new vibe to the place," Ms Balogh said.

She said trade was up and its move was already paying off for the charity, which donated all profits back into animal protection and care.

Warrnambool City Council mayor Vicki Jellie said the increased occupancy showed a confidence in the city, with a mix of large and small retailers wanting to trade in the south-west.

Councillor Debbie Arnott, who owns Liebig Street stores Style 105 and co-owns Style Active with her daughter Chloe, said it had been years since it was this vibrant.

"With the street redevelopment we lost some stores and now we've got three opening within the one block which is just amazing," Mrs Arnott said. "It does reflect confidence in the city to trade."

She said it was a positive outcome for all CBD retailers and was indicative of a strong economy.

"Every store feeds off each other," Mrs Arnott said. "So the more stores you have, the more foot traffic you create, the more business that thrives. It all feeds on. We want a strong, vibrant city.

"It's uplifting to see trade coming back and stores opening definitely."

Mrs Arnott encouraged residents to support local traders and to "get out there and spend if you can" to support WDEA Works social media campaign 'spend if you can' which launched on the weekend.

Council's city growth director Andrew Paton said significant further investment and high occupancy in the city centre was a strong signal of confidence.

"There has and will continue to be an element of 'reinvention' in city centres, not just across Warrnambool but across the nation, to meet changing consumer trends and digital disruption," Mr Paton said.

"Our city centre continues to show remarkable resilience and is testament to our city's traders and our residents who are really stepping up to support local."