When The Spot café opened in Kiama Village in July, owner Luke Gamble-Smith wanted to create a “piece of heaven,” where he could build meaningful relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers.

However, less than 18 months later, the business has closed — the latest casualty of the rising cost of running a business and the challenges of renting a space in Kiama’s prestige retail precinct.

“Obviously, the cost of being there was a massive portion of our revenue,” Luke told The Bugle.

The other issue was foot traffic — he didn’t observe the overflow of customers from Woolworths as expected.

“I’ve been told [Woolworths’] Direct to Boot has been far more popular than expected,” says Luke. As a result, people are driving through the carpark without stopping for refreshments.

He also believes the installation of boom gates and the sale of the Blue Haven Bonaira complex had an impact.

“[Last year], the economy's taken a hit across the board,” he says. “Hospitality is copping it more than anyone else.”

Throughout Kiama Village, it’s a familiar story.

In 2024, project and development management services HGW Projects were enlisted to manage the tenancy coordination of Kiama Village, including 19 new tenancies. Four months ago, they announced on LinkedIn that the village was “now complete and thriving.”

However, the sight of empty shop fronts is a confusing message — and a reminder of the importance of supporting small businesses.

“From what I know, the only shops that are doing well would be Noodle Paradise and the Sushi Hub,” says Luke. “From the rest, I believe everyone else is also struggling.”

His advice to local shoppers? Share the love and try something different — for your sake and the local economy’s.

“My two favourite customers had gone to another local café for 30 years before us,” says Luke. “That café shut down and changed owners, so they started coming to us — and they loved it.”

“It’s great to support the same business over and over again, but the reality is, you need to share the love a little.” 

An Albion Park local, he is looking forward to focusing on his other businesses and spending time with his young family.

He adds: “I hope all the other retailers do well; it’s been a long battle. Hopefully, our closure is the catalyst for some change.”