WOODMAN'S Mitre 10 in Cannonvale is not closing down - the store is being revamped.

General manager Kerry Woodman said the revamp was an excellent indication of the company's confidence in and commitment to the Whitsunday region. He said he wanted to quash rumours the store was closing, despite difficult trading conditions.

"We first invested in this region 44 years ago and despite the downturn and how tough it's been for business in recent times, we will continue to be here for the long haul," Mr Woodman said.

Woodman's Mitre 10 would be downsizing their footprint in the Centro centre from 3000sqm to about 2200sqm but Mr Woodman says the revamp will enable them to showcase new products and ranges and improve shelf displays to facilitate customer access and product selection.

Mr Woodman said the region "hit a brick wall a couple of months ago" with a number of traders closing their doors due to difficult trading conditions.

"Last month, the Airlie Supermarket closed after three decades in business in the main street," he said.

He said business confidence was growing again in the Whitsundays now the main street upgrade was completed and the tourism market was improving but it was important locals supported family-owned and operated businesses in the region.

He said renewed possibilities for Chinese investment in construction and property development, combined with new sub-divisions opening in the area and significant growth in the home improvement market meant the future was again looking bright.

" DIYers in the region are increasingly tackling home renovations themselves including paving, fencing and kitchen and bathroom projects," Mr Woodman said.