Decrease in empty units cause for optimism for Town retail

The survey, carried out in conjunction with former deputy Mary Lowe, included visiting 16 different areas of Town, including the seafront, Fountain Street, Trinity Square, Arcade, High Street and the Pollet, and counting the number of empty shops in each area.

A total of 28 empty units were identified – six less than a total of 34 counted by Mrs Lowe in a previous survey she carried out on 29 January last year.

The largest number of empty shops in a single area was eight in Mill Street and Mansell Street, while no empty units were identifiable in six areas, including the Bordage, Market Street and Church Square.

Only one area – Smith Street – saw an increase in the number of empty shops in comparison with last year, with the total rising from two to four after the loss of the Co-op Pharmacy and the Post Office.

Mrs Lowe was encouraged by what she had seen.

‘I get frustrated when Town gets talked down and when people say it’s quieter than it used to be. There’s evidence to suggest that that isn’t the case and you have to say “well done” to businesses for starting up and having faith that they will succeed,’ she said.

‘I would encourage deputies to come and have a walk around Town to see it for themselves.’

The survey comes as women’s clothing shop Yours shut its doors on Saturday, leaving an empty business in the heart of the High Street, along with the empty Barclay’s High Street site, which closed in August.

But businesses in Town were hopeful that the economic situation would continue to improve.

Sofi Noakes, owner of new Arcade-based cafe The Bean Jar, said that since opening in December she had needed to be mindful of the reduced spending habits of many consumers as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

However, she said business had been good so far and she wanted to continue to foster a friendly atmosphere on her premises.

‘It’s about potentially having a fatter bottom line versus looking after the local community. We’re trying to balance profits with making sure we’ve got a happy and comfortable environment for people to come and sit in,’ she said.

‘I’ve worked for 14 years in this industry, so I know how hard it can be, but I’m delighted with how it’s gone so far. I try not to pass on price rises if I can help it as to me it’s not all about the bottom line.’

Willow Brock, who works at vape shop Darth Vapor in the Upper Pollet, said the shop had been extremely busy over Christmas and in general she had noticed more activity in Town over recent weeks and months.

‘When we announced that we weren’t going to be open during the first week of January we had so many customers come in,’ she said.

‘Town does seem to be filling up more, and that can only be a good thing.’

Mrs Lowe has been conducting surveys of Town shops since 2009, when there were 41 empty shops.