Local retailers are encouraging less clothing and more spending to boost revenue post Covid-19, with a new 'clothing optional' bylaw coming into effect later this month.
The bylaw allows certain stores to host clothing optional days, with strict amendments around the types of retailers that can partake in the scheme. Business owners are already lauding the decision, with one describing it as a 'game changer.'
Clothing optional shopping isn't new for the area - late night nude Thursdays put the Kapiti Coast on the map in the mid-nineties.
The clothing optional nights lasted until 1997, when they were discontinued after an incident involving nine people at the Paraparaumu Woolworth's alcohol section led to three arrests.
Margaret Shelley of Peka Peka was an active participant in the clothing optional late night shopping scene, and told the Cryer she couldn't wait to for the nights to start back up.
"It was lovely, you didn't have to think about what you were going to wear, you could just grab your handbag and go."
Shelley said clothing optional nights became an integral part of her week, she often met friends or colleagues for a late dinner and a wander around the shops 'which were packed with all different types.'
Although the smalls came off, it was still important to make an effort with hair and put on make-up, Shelley said:
"We weren't animals."
The clothing optional nights became so popular they reached many facets of the community, with local retirement homes eventually taking part in the revelry.
Maggie Hinton worked at the Coastal Pastures Retirement Home in the mid-nineties and described the nights as 'a real treat' for residents.
"I participated in them myself - and something everyone seems to forget is that the store owners and employees ended up joining in too."
Hinton said she can't wait for the nights to start up again: "I suppose we'll have to do things a little bit differently now, but I hope the community gets behind it."
The Kapiti Cryer reached out to KCDC for comment.
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