​​Countdown waives rent for retail tenants caught in Covid shutdowns

Countdown supermarkets
(Source: Bigstock)

Supermarket operator Countdown is giving 100 per cent rent abatement to non-essential tenants caught in the country’s Alert Level 4.

Businesses with shops within Coundown’s network, including cafes, hairdressers, takeaway outlets, real estate agencies and restaurants, will enjoy the rent relief as they have been unable to trade. Countdown has more than 60 tenants within its stores and shopping centres. 

“We feel this is the right thing to do,” said Matt Grainger, director of property at Countdown. “We are privileged to serve New Zealanders through lockdown, and hopefully offering rent relief will relieve some pressure and allow our tenants to focus on other expenses.

“This is especially needed in Auckland where we’re looking at another two weeks of Alert Level 4. The outlook is uncertain for many small businesses and we want to help our tenants bounce back from this as much as we can,” Grainger added.

The supermarket chain said it will also continue rent relief for non-essential tenants as needed in Alert Level 3. 

Nicola and Gary Upson, owners of Kodak Express Botany and tenants at Countdown Botany said the rent relief has helped them to refocus on reopening and take care of their team and families.

“It’s been a huge weight off our shoulders,” the owners said.

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