Broadway Express has opened in Broadway Ave, Palmerston North, but not everyone is pleased.

The Naked Pie Man's arrival in Broadway Ave – right next to Palmerston North's premium performing arts facility – has been greeted by calls for him to move out.

Leighton Haar, better known as The Naked Pie Man, is to manage a shop called Broadway Express, where he would sell such things as liquid and dry herb vaporisers, shesha products, incense, herb grinders and liquid pourers.

The Regent on Broadway general manager Charles Forbes said he was worried having a shop like that on Broadway would discourage other businesses from setting up shop on the street.

"We're trying to get the street a lot better, more revitalised and the type of people we want to attract are going to question if they should move here because of his presence.

Read More:

* Naked pie man trades pies for highs

* Naked pie man 'unhappy'

* Naked pie man ends legal highs sale

"It's not the type of business we wish to see right next to The Regent on Broadway. It's Palmerston North's [premium] performing arts facility, it's definitely not the business that should be right next door to it.

"The reputation of the avenue has already been damaged by the recent arrival of The Naked Pie Man and a late-night crowd attracted to his [products].

"We can't let it be harmed any further."

Forbes said a good outcome would be if he decided to select a different premises.

"I would like to see him ... look somewhere else."

Haar, who used to run a shop at Fitzherbert Ave, couldn't be reached for comment, but Shane Simpson, describing himself as a volunteer working at the store, said the store was in a temporary state and was still being set up.

Tobacco, electronic cigarettes, shesha pipes, drinking kits and items for 21st birthday parties were being sold.

But the store was undergoing development and would look more like a "mixed-retail store" by mid-February, he said.

Palmerston North City Council head of environmental protection services Wayne Jameson said The Naked Pie Man running his store on Broadway Ave was not breaking any rules.

"As far as we are aware, this is a transfer from one shop to another and the same rules apply in this case as for any other business.

"The council will investigate if there is a complaint but if a business is operating legally, there are no grounds for council to do any monitoring."

Simpson said there were plans for the store to sell convenience items and giftware, and it was hoped icecream and slushies could be served in summer if a food permit could be obtained.

It was hoped the store would attract a variety of customers throughout the day and would move "away from the student scene".

"We aren't going to be another Paradise that's down the road. That's not the plan."

Paradise was a store on Broadway Ave which used to sell legal highs and equipment, and has since closed down.

Simpson was unimpressed by people being unwelcoming at Broadway Ave.

"It seems to be an old boys' club. If you're not in the club then you're moving against the grain."