A number of new retail businesses have taken up premises in the centre of Dubbo, even as some stores close.
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Commercial real estate agent Andrew McDonald reported leasing activity had been "much stronger" in recent months.
ISHKA, with more than 25 retail locations in Victoria, NSW, the ACT and Tasmania, was the new tenant at 84 Macquarie Street, he said.
The 289 square metres of floor space had been vacant for a period of time before it was leased in June.
ISHKA's first store opened in 1971 and its website listed clothing, furniture, gifts, homewares and jewellery as its products.
It was also at Orange and Tamworth, according to its website.
Mudgee-based business Ripe Homewares had set up a presence at Dubbo at 117 Macquarie Street, Mr McDonald said.
The Postmaster's Cafe had opened the doors of 57 Talbragar Street, he said.
Down the road, 98 Talbragar Street had a new future after it was sold earlier this year.
It had been a vacant possession and was now home to Molly's Place, a locally-owned and operated gift store, Mr McDonald said.
"(Leasing activity) has been more encouraging," he said.
"Whether it's a purple patch or a trend remains to be seen."
The long-time commercial realtor reported 'for lease' signs had gone up at the premises formerly occupied by Sam's Warehouse in Macquarie Street.
Receivers KordaMentha Restructuring recently announced the closure of Sam's Warehouse at Dubbo and other locations after parent company the Discount Superstore Group went into receivership last month.
Clothing and homewares retailer The Warehouse, also in Macquarie Street, is in the midst of a closing down sale after 27 years in operation.
Last month some Dubbo councillors raised concerns about empty shops appearing in the centre of the city, saying it needed to be "vibrant, viable and commercially attractive".
