Retail group delight as Arcade shops fill up
COMMERCIAL ARCADE is close to being fully occupied again which shows the strength of belief in Town from business owners, according to Korinne Le Page, head of retail development at the Guernsey Retail Group.
‘At the end of quarter one this year we had seven empty shops and now we’ve got only three,’ she said.
Among the new stores are shops dealing in interior decor, ‘shabby chic’ furniture, a beauty and tanning studio and one offering clothing and accessories which has opened its first branch in Guernsey.
Some of the shops have yet to open their doors and require renovation, such as the former Guernsey Photographics/Guernsey Computers store.
Meanwhile, work is progressing renovating the Mappin & Webb shop, which is set to reopen at the end of July.
‘There’s lots happening and it’s really vibrant,’ said Ms Le Page, who was excited about the plans for the former Guernsey Photographics site but was unable to say anything yet.
A new shop on the site of the former Land of Green Ginger sale shop is also due to open in June, she said.
‘Entrepreneurs are clearly showing belief and determination in establishing completely new businesses and others relocating from elsewhere in St Peter Port,’ she said.
‘Our retail economy recovered well from the pandemic, so it is great that we are building on this success generally across the island and in particular, seeing a greater vibrancy in the Arcade.’
The group is keen to increase footfall in the Town and she said it was taking every opportunity to let people know what was there.
The recent changes comprise 10-12 Commercial Arcade, which is now The Collectors Centre, numbers 23 and 38 are operating as Maison Demain and Maison Michel respectively, both having moved from Le Pollet, and Hub 25 has opened at number 25.
Other additions include Just Tech, at number 3 and Moochy Shop at No. 42.
The retail group is also putting small retailers in touch with landlords with a view to allowing them to open shops on a short-term basis.
‘We’re talking to people who do Seafront Sundays or the West Show,’ said Ms Le Page. ‘Sometimes people want a business and we look to take it to the next level. This isn’t just putting a pop-up shop, we don’t do those, but something where people can have a really good go, three months minimum.’
