Hullabaloo Toys announced yesterday that their independent toy store on Parsonage Green is closing down.
Jo Nicholson, who lives in Manchester, has been trying to sell the business for the last year, as it has become quite difficult to manage with two young children, but having been unable to find a buyer she has been left with no option but to close.
Jo said "For me it's quite devastating as I'm walking away from 8 years hard graft. But what is more sad is that I now leave Wilmslow without a toy shop - and I know that it has been a loved addition to the community.
"There is also the problem of competing online, the Trafford Centre, Manchester markets... and last but not least, rent and rates. The list goes on to be honest.
"However, I would love to thank everyone who has shopped with us over the years. I've watched some of your kids grow up so it will be really sad to say goodbye."
A closing down sale will start on Thursday, 2nd January with 50% off all stock and 25% off Djeco arts and crafts.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
A large fraction of our 'Christmas Spend' was on line and it's growing year on year. Town centres and shopping malls are less and less competitive.
Our spend in Wilmslow is minimal, John Lewis and M&S see to that.
CEC core strategic plan will not help one iota. Houses for commuters, no focus on jobs or tax deals for retail. They don't know what Wilmslow needs to be good at in the future. Still, who does?
Sorry to be so pessimistic, but Wilmslow really does need a spark of genius.
Perhaps another Alan Turing.......
Happy New Year!
Hullabaloo was a great toy shop which my daughter for the last few years has loved to visit, and also myself if im honest!! Likewise with Simon Dunn's "chocolate factory".
On-line shopping is taking over Wilmslow like most small towns and villages, and the powers that be don't seem to care. When names like Argos, McDonalds and Thorntons shut up shop, you know its all about the rates, not because the business wasn't doing well.
I have lived in Wilmslow for most of my life and remembering shops like "The Flying Machine" and "Billy McGanns" & "Pauls Pet's Pantry" from the years gone by and how they ended up closing down, just adds to the disappointment of the local council for its failure to help with small businesses now and probably in the future.
To the small businesses that have had to close this year, you will be remembered by the people of Wilmslow with pride!
The buzz-word these days is 'Showrooming'. ( Let's go and get good advice and view the product at a true retailers- then buy it on line cheaper)
There is a way of protecting small businesses.
Manufacturers can operate dual wholesale prices - One for internet only retailers - the other for shop based retailers who have product knowledge and stock the goods.
In my industry manufacturers are now starting to realise the value of retailers knowledge and promotion of products and supplying accordingly.
Promote unique product ranges, that the internet doesn't have, ( difficult these days) to run along side 'bread and butter lines'
This way the true retailer can make a reasonable mark up to survive.
I know that high rents, rates and overheads don't help, but landlords and councils are always of the opinion that eventually some poor sucker will take up an empty shop thinking they will make their fortune!!
The City of Baltimore USA is running a 'buy local' campaign to protect local businesses
( http://www.buylocalbaltimore.com ) They are have a good response from their campaign.Perhaps Wilmslow should consider same.