We are less than a month into 2014 and already we have reported on a string of Wilmslow businesses that have shut up shop this year.
Amongst the recent closures are both independents and national chains including: Yogberries, Hullabaloo Toys, Margarita Lounge, Claires', Shalimar Indian Restaurant and Jane Shilton which is preparing to close.
These news stories have generated a lot of comments, both on the website and social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, with some people saying it is down to the high rents and rates or competition from the internet or nearby shopping centres.
Many have commented that Wilmslow risks becoming a ghost town, with only "coffee shops and phone shops" left, whilst others feel it is pretty normal for this time of year or that the individual businesses concerned didn't provide what people wanted.
Many retailers have called for people to support their local shops more and several suggestions for encouraging this have been put forward, including introducing a Wilmslow loyalty card, free parking, and the need for incentives to attract and help businesses to survive.
Tate Jones, owner of The Goalpost on Bank Square, contacted us to ask wilmslow.co.uk to highlight this issue further with our readers and ask them what they would like to see in Wilmslow, what would make people shop locally more often?
Tate and I had a conversation about the recent closures and his experience of running an independent business in Wilmslow, see below. I've also spoken with other business owners and councillors about their thoughts and suggestions.
Why do you think so many businesses have closed in Wilmslow recently?
Tate: It's January so this is pretty much normal. Businesses tend to hold out for a good Christmas and maybe for some the rush never came and decided to pull the plug to prevent further loss. Also, how many people actually understand the economic benefits of shopping in their town? Some will drive miles to save a pound here and there or shop online to save a pound, if that... but good luck getting the goods on time and when there's a fault it can turn into a nightmare. It's hard to beat human contact in your town, and obviously at a competitive
price with exceptional, consistent and adaptable service."
What are the main challenges facing Wilmslow businesses?
I had an interesting conversation with a group at a networking event in Wilmslow regarding our residents fear of entering an independent shop. They said they were basically scared of entering a local shop, due to the fear of pressure, the guilt of not buying - and the prices. They also assume the choice isn't there and assuming the same product can be bought in Stockport, Trafford Centre and online - and a lot cheaper- without even entering!
This wasn't just about our shop but about indies in general in Wilmslow. It's also hard when locals write off indies without giving us a chance and by saying, "oh, I'll give them 6 months..." It takes a lot of planning, graft and guts to set up and run a business and it's easy to overlook this. Most are family run, residing in Wilmslow. The money isn't channelled to HQ - it is used and spent locally. Rents and rates are part of the business plan. We pay a premium to be in Wilmslow and wished more people were out on the pavement.
What changes would you like to see in Wilmslow town centre, or new initiatives?
Without question, it would be two hour free parking. An hour isn't enough. People can't relax when they are out shopping in Wilmslow. They're afraid to get parking tickets so therefore it's easier to go to a retail park/mall where it's free. An hour isn't enough time for a shop or a chat over a coffee. Two hour free parking is normal practice in small town, suburbs in the U.S. I lived in different towns in the States for 9 years and always noticed this. I'd also like to see more events and use the Bank Square area more. A drastic change would to see the Bank Square area totally revamped like Poynton where it's nice and open with a nice fountain or centre piece so people could look around when they're passing thru. Emergency Rate Relief would be welcomed with open arms, too!
What do you think businesses need to do to attract more customers to shop locally?
We need more unique, quirky shops with exceptional personal service. Knutsford is a good example. Grove Street could do with a facelift, the red brick and open space can look very depressing,. Perhaps more benches, fountain, plants etc. Make it look more appealing rather than a sad High St. Wilmslow should be a special experience.
Can/should the Council help at all?
Yes, absolutely! Apart from the facelift they need to organize events to increase footfall. Look at how effective the Wilmslow Motor Show and this was driven by Steve Kennedy. He's a great example of how to get stuff done in the town. The Ginger Bread and Scarecrow hunt were also beneficial and the council should take note of this.
Cllr Keith Purdom, Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council said "It's very disappointing to see Wilmslow lose retail or any business but the retailers leaving do seem part of a worrying trend that is affecting towns throughout the UK. Each closure will have its own specific reasons for closure but internet shopping and the proximity of the large retailers on the bypass are both significant I personally believe.
"The very successful Artisan market was an excellent initiative that I hoped would be supportive of our retailers and of course we hope that moving it to a Sunday will enable retailers to maximise their Saturday sales and help them on Sundays - I hope more and more retailers will open on Sundays as I feel that the more shops and services that are open on Sunday then the more shoppers we will attract to the town."
Speaking about the changes he would like to see in Wilmslow, Cllr Purdom said "I would like to see all the shops occupied and trading. It's easy to blame business rates for all the problems that retailers face and personally I am empathetic to retailers complaints but these are of course well outside the remit of the Town Council. Persuading more people to shop more often in Wilmslow - to spend longer in town when they visit.
"Use it or lose it really is how I regard our shops. Do I shop on the bypass yes of course I do but I also support local businesses as much as I can. Initiatives such as the scarecrow festival and the Gingerbread men are excellent and help differentiate Wilmslow form other local shopping locations."
He added "I don't presume to tell them their business other than I know that excellent service gets me returning and returning - and that one bad experience puts me off completely. So I am not a retailer but I am a shopper - what gets me back to a shop is outstanding service - not ordinary service but something more than I expected so I tend to go back where the service is excellent."
I also asked Cllr Purdom what the Town Council could do to help local businesses prosper.
He replied "It's not our remit to support individual businesses but we do work hard and long hours especially by the Community and Order committee in organising events that are intended to bring shoppers in to the town centre to increase footfall - the markets, Christmas lights and the switch on event would be examples and of course we brightened up the floral displays no end which was very well received by retailers and shoppers alike."
Speaking about the recent closures, Steve Kennedy of Mailbox Etc said "The shape of the high street is changing but we shouldn't be complacent! I'm a service business, still trading well after 14 years, but I don't buy and sell anything. I think 'Barkers' will work because of their service... it will also hold people in town while their pooch is groomed, and if they've got to wait 45 minutes, they'll coffee/lunch/shop (I hope).
"A service element is, I think, key to survival. Merely buying and selling has too much competition on-line but it can work if you play the on-line game, and gain substantial European sales as well!"
Joanna Davies, owner of Black White Denim, said "It's a very tough climate. Committing to rent and rates at this time is a very serious obligation and opening a business and expecting to earn a living immediately in this day and age is a fallacy."
Joanna added "I would like to see free parking, lower business rates and more generic town advertising. Also businesses need to get to know their customers, value them and give them a reason to visit."
Catherine Mackenzie, Chairman of Wilmslow Business Group, has also kindly shared her thoughts on the recent business closures and ideas for improving Wilmslow town centre.
Why do you think so many businesses have closed in Wilmslow recently?
Catherine: First of all, I would like to say that it's a great shame that we have lost a number of retail and leisure businesses recently. As a business owner myself, I really feel for the owners, their staff and their families.
There are obviously a range of reasons why businesses have closed. Closures of multiples can be due to a change in group strategy – for example: Argos changed their strategy to focus more on their Extra units. However, a number of the businesses that have closed have pointed to high rents and rates and Wilmslow residents not supporting them.
There is no denying it - the rents are high. However, I have to admit an element of confusion. Have the landlords suddenly sprung the high rents on these businesses? I wouldn't have thought so. These businesses would be fully aware of the rents that the landlords were demanding. So the issue is that the businesses have been unable to secure sufficient sales to cover their costs.
This brings to bear a number of issues – firstly was it ever a viable business, was it offering a product or service that consumers wanted, of the right quality and at the right price; and could it ever have generated sufficient income? Secondly did the business manage and market itself effectively?
Pointing the finger at the Wilmslow residents is a nonsense. Like any consumer - give me a retail and leisure offer that I want and I am prepared to pay for; supported by a "nice" environment; and make sure I know about it and I will come to Wilmslow to do my shopping.
What do you think businesses need to do to attract more customers to shop locally?
Firstly they need to really think about their business and marketing strategy. They need to offer products and services that Wilmslow residents want to purchase; and will attract people into Wilmslow. They need to put on their own events which will entice customers in to their store, to develop a relationship with them, so that ultimately they will purchase from them. They also need to look at their online and social media strategies.
They need to engage with the local community. We have some great examples of businesses that already do this. The Goal Post has only been in Wilmslow 12 months, but has already developed great links with local schools and football academies, as part of their route-to-market.
They need to speak to other Wilmslow businesses so together we can help one another. As Chairman of the Wilmslow Business Group I have asked the retailers and leisure operators to get involved with the Group and to tell us what help they need; as has Diane Smith, our Town Centre Manager from Cheshire East Council; and the landlord, Orbit. However, there is great apathy from the retailers to get involved. I hope Ella Jane Brookebanks's initiative to get the retailers together is more successful.
They need to embrace the initiatives that are already organised for them – the Scarecrow Festival; the Artisan Market; the Motor Show; the Wilmslow Winter Wander Round; and the Christmas Lights Switch On. Not only should they use these events as opportunities to showcase their products and services; but they should look to get involved in organising and managing these events and others.
What changes would you like to see in Wilmslow town centre or new initiatives?
The town centre lacks heart and cohesion, with certain parts of the town centre feeling shabby. Some of that is down to the building stock – which obviously needs investment.
Wilmslow Town Council and the volunteers at Incredible Edible have worked hard this year to brighten up the town centre – which was great; and I know that they are planning now for later this Spring and Summer. However, there are areas of the town centre which need more than a few planters, for example the area outside Tesco Express constantly looks scruffy; and the grassed area on Alderley Road in front of the Leisure Centre needs some love and attention.
We should develop and implement a marketing plan for the town centre. We should do this from a commercial perspective – thinking about which companies, retailers and leisure operators we would want to attract to the town centre; and from a consumer perspective – to encourage people from Wilmslow and further afield to use the town centre.
We should look at the public assets that we currently have in the town centre – and how we can use them better than we are currently to encourage more people into the town centre – Bank Square, the Leisure Centre, the Library and the open space in front of the new Chilli Banana. Steve Kennedy of Mailboxes Etc had a great idea to provide cover in Bank Square so it can become the heart of the town centre and we can hold mini music festivals, film screenings etc.
Can/should the Council help at all?
Yes. The Town Council, Cheshire East Council and the business community should work together to ensure that Wilmslow is an attractive environment and that Wilmslow is marketed effectively to bring in new business and the consumers.
Please do add your thoughts about what you would like to see in Wilmslow and what would make you do more of your shopping in the town via the comment box below.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Macclesfield ?? Same
If were not going to use them as shops, and were not going to support local busines...use the empty shops as town centre housing / accommodation.
The council and the landlords should think is it better to get a smaller amount of Rent & Rates for a occupied shop or none for an empty shop.
This is the issue that is killing the high street!
Shoppers are now going full circle and are returning to buying smaller quantities of food, more often and on their doorstep. The growth in supermarkets is now in small convenience stores, not big out of town shops. Increasingly, the type of food shoppers want to buy locally is higher quality, unusual items that are locally produced and are different from the multiple chains bog standard offerings.
Just like the Artisan Market does in fact.
It is no coincidence that this market regularly attracts thousands. Just think how vibrant our town center would be if 10 of these stalls became permanent shops. However, this requires a concerted effort from the Town Council to ensure that enough shops open to ensure critical mass.
One fishmongers on its own isn't enough to draw people back into the town. But a great fishmonger, butcher, deli, bread, cake and pie shop would be. These would feed off the cafe culture that is already in town to ensure both parts flourish. But the council would need to offer rate grants and funding to help the stall holders make that leap and I am not sure there is the political will or skill to do this.
The future of the high street is all about providing entertainment, discovery and experience for shoppers - just what the internet cannot do and the Artisan Market does best.
wilmslow could learn a lot from didsbury/ West didsbury and Knutsford. its lacking in so much yet the money is here in the local area to be spent. There needs to be more independent businesses opening and offering quality food/coffee/wine/socialising epicentre. wilmslow lacks in any vibe and with the right shops/ eateries/cafes/delis opening it could be so right! it needs sorting out before we do live in even more of a ghost town.
Pedestrianisation worked okay for the time but times have changed. The road could be closed on Sunday for the market.
Allow parking on Grove Street like Knutsford and the people will come back.
Grove Street should be re-opened one way as used to be, with parking limited to say 1 hour.
I can't think of a single small town where trade has been improved by pedestrianising, and a previous comment mentions Macclesfield and Altrincham, both have suffered since stopping traffic.
The other thing needed to stop it becoming a ghost town is to have some police presence on it to reassure the public. The fact is it is safer to go to Handforth Dean or Cheadle Royal to shop than visit the high street.
Over a scant 24 months, numerous shops have closed down, for example The Cherry Tree Gallery, Fibre + Clay, The Lemon Tree, Facets, The Christine Ireland Gallery, The Cook's Emporium, House, Wearabout, The Naked Mannequin, The Summerhouse, Via Via, The Cake Shop... and these are merely the first few that spring to my mind. Starbucks upped sticks in 2010. Knutsford itself is turning into a raft of eating places and convenience supermarkets in fact its decline started before Wilmslow's own, around 2010, when the supposed 'prime shopping location', the pedestrianised drag between top and bottom street, demonstrated that it was, in fact, a dud. In fact, after Starbs left that location, an art gallery occupied the shop and later closed as well (I think it was possibly late 2012).
So, no, Knutsford is not doing better than Wilmslow.
Perhaps the most interesting element of all here is what Starbucks did. It opened in 2007 when the Royal George development was complete (that drag between top and bottom street I referred to earlier). They signed a 10-year lease at the time but a scant 3 years later they felt forced to leave because they were experiencing a constant rent increase that they deemed out of proportion and not in line with their desired profit margin. They even knew at the time that the landlord wanted to have an art gallery in their place and, of course, it turned out to be true because one opened once Starbs left and closed less than two years later. By the way, this isn't hearsay... I was friendly with the girls there and they told me.
Sure, it's true that the rents are very high (I recall one place advertised in Alderley last year at £40,000p/a) but the problem is the lack of footfall. Or, when we do have the footfall, see on Artisan Market day, at least insofar as Wilmslow is concerned, people spend at the stalls and not in the shops.
I am already making a conscious effort to shop in Wilmslow if I can buy the goods I want there, and will shop at independent shops in preference to supermarkets and on line stores in an effort to increase visitors.
To get me in town more, I would love to see a traditional butchers, where I can get advice and suggestions like in days gone by. I'd also like to see an artisan bakers and cheese shop / deli, as well as more boutique shops for dresses, accessories, shoes and bags.
We are sadly lacking great night spots in Wilmslow too. Since the closure of Wilmslow Wine Bar, there just is no where to go for night out as a 40 something year old in Wilmslow any longer. The Coach and Four is lovely, but more variety is needed and where else would you go for a night out these days? We socialise with friends and family from all over the UK, and always dine out and drink in Knutsford or Alderley. We would love to be socialising in Wilmslow but seriously, where?
Back to shopping on the high street. - Parking is an issue and I would like to see more parking facilities and increasing the current time allowance from 1 to 2 hours would certainly help.
Come on Wilmslow, use our lovely amenities and shop on the high street, our retailers deserve our support and we would seriously all miss them if we ended up living in a ghost town.
So what would make us spend more in Wilmslow and less elsewhere?
We already have 2 hour parking courtesy of the car park at Waitrose - and there is a decent sized (pay) car park off Water Lane - and more than adequate council car parks by the leisure centre and Sainsburys, so we don't find parking to be the issue.
Grove Street is a desperate place at times, particularly on non-market Sundays. Pedestrian precincts are now well past their use by date and I think that the council might think about opening it up to traffic. It seems as if it isn't part of Wilmslow at all when compared to Water Lane and Alderley Road - only on Artisan Market day does it have any life. Opening up Grove Street to traffic - or the alternative of somehow creating a 'boulevard' effect in the existing street - would both enhance the look and feel but would they also increase shop sales?
Does Wilmslow want to compete with Alderley Edge - this might mean a lot more decent wine bars… I don't think there's any use comparing Wilmslow to Knutsford as its much further away. Waitrose in Wilmslow will have to up its game (its a drab shop to walk around) once Waitrose in AE expands after the Co-op closes. http://bit.ly/1aAkQ1F
I don't have any answers - except to say that I like mooching around AE - its a village not a small town. I like Wilmslow as well - except for Grove Street which must be a real turn-off to visitors. On a cold, wet, day, particularly a Sunday it feels like a remote outpost.
I think that the 'Welcome to Wilmslow' signs and flowers have been a fantastic thing and the Incredible Edible - they lift your spirits! So Wilmslow needs to maintain these initiatives and add a lot more. There might just be a link between a really nice small town called Wilmslow and lots of new businesses opening up, including some really good wine bars!!
The yellow perils (traffic Wardens) no longer hunt like a pack of crazed locusts ... and although reducing the revenue stream from parking fines.... its simple steps to assist the town survival.
(I personally think that Altrincham lost its heart and soul a long time ago...... Wilmslow still has it and it needs all our RoW support). I know the Wilmslow Business Group is very supportive of the town, they too need some support here from those in authority. There is a will, There is a way.. And there are people that can make positive things happen.
When you then add the fact that Jessop’s and other re-born high street brands are offering goods for sale in the store at the same price they can be bought on- line then purchase of consumables becomes attractive in face to face contact as opposed to just e-commerce.
This obviously isn’t the same for food and other kinds of retail wheremany previous threads here have demonstrate the difficulty that Wilmslow businesses are experiencing with rent / rates / jobs /energy bills etc etc... I understand the frustration of more charity shops on reduced tariffs...but without a thriving day time economy the night time / evening economy will also suffer.
So in simplistic terms ... there are a variety of things that can be done, all of which have consequences, (that are not themselves simplistic)... mainly reduced revenue.... but is some revenue better than no revenue?? Are some jobs better than no jobs ?? are some people using/enjoying the town better than no people using/enjoying the town ??
There are many passionate people scribing threads and thoughts here to improve our town, but are the right people listening ?, and more importantly will they invoke some of the change needed to get people back into the town and make it vibrant once more..
As to parking CEC needs to address the fact that the most central carpark by the library and Sainsbury's you have to pay a lot to use. This does not encourage people to remain in the town. Sainsburys do what they can and reimburse the money if you spend enough but it still only gives you 2 hours. Now this sounds like a long time but getting shopping and going to the library can easily fill most of that time. I don't believe that CEC will ever bring down the rate on this carpark because they see it merely as a source of revenue.
The run-down of many town centres has been brought about by out-of-town shopping with associated large car parks. Altrincham's death was brought about by the Trafford Centre, and when Handforth Dean was built the major retailers there contributed financially to the building of the Wilmslow Bypass - a feeder road from Wilmslow direct to their car parks! They didn't make that contribution for altruistic reasons.
Some people associate Grove Street's pedestrianisation with the run down of the town, but the pedestrianisation has probably delayed the rate of run-down, a run-down caused largely by nearby and accessible out of town shops with free parking.
And the Bank Square environment needs a complete re-think. That big open area which for much of the time is disused could be developed in any one of many creative ways, to make it an attractive part of our town rather than a visual reminder that whoever planned it appears to have simply run out of ideas.
It's a shame to see the rents being so high when the interest rates and base rates are so low! I wonder if we can have a wilmslow town centre QE !!
On a serious note Poynton pavements idea would really help/ change of traffic flow
While people may profess to care about their town centres in reality they prefer to shop where parking is free and convenient.
Furthermore town rents and business rates have been a cash cow for far too long, but in to-day`s market are far too expensive for small businesses.
Possibly time for a radical re-think whereby our town centres return to the old model of mixed retail, leisure and accommodation for people to actually live in our town centres- then you would quickly see the return of the much-loved artisan businesses serving on the spot local residents, and our town centres would take on some of the vibrancy of European towns.
And the problem truly is nation-wide, it isn't just Wilms.
The artisan market would still be on Grove Street. You just close the road for the day as they do in Knutsford
Paris took a good look at London many years ago and decided that they didn't want the homogenous high street UK style. They made sure that a certain number of properties must be available at low rent for "quirky" and unusual shops to increase the ambiance. Perhaps we can learn something!
I've never understood the view that moving the artisan market in Grove Street to a Sunday would help the shops there. We always shopped at the market AND at local shops on a Saturday market day. Now, going to the (smaller) artisan market on a Sunday with most of the Grove Street shops closed, is getting harder to do - is this what Wilmslow wants and needs?
Is any of this blog getting to the local council?
Amongst our readers, and those members who receive our weekly newsletters are members of both Wilmslow Town Council and Cheshire East Council - so yes it is getting to the local council.
Additionally the Communications Team at CEC monitor our websites and include links to articles they consider of importance in their internal emails.
Read before you comment please. A street obstructed by planters etc cannot accommodate stalls as well.
The implication of all the comments is that the public are happy to see the market die and the town centre with it. It is clear that Wilmslow people shop in supermarkets and not local privately owned shops or there would be such shops still in existence. Most of ther comments ignore the fact that when given the chance to use a small town centre the public has voted with its feet and gone either to Sainsbury;s or some other town witrh better facilities.
Unfortunately it seems that the views of the retailers were the only views taken into account by WTC when recommending the change of day.... and it is the people who attend the market regularly who presumably are the best placed to say which day people are most likely to attend!
The Artisan Market really is the best thing to happen in our town for many years, and we seem in danger of talking ourselves down into failure. There are local people who are really committed to making the town centre a success, particularly local traders, and lots of interesting ideas circulating. We all need to be positive and get behind the people who make a difference in Wilmslow and support them... the alternative is a scruffy, messy town with nothing but supermarkets, car parks and coffee shops run by international companies.
We could all try a bit harder to shop local (someone here mentioned only shopping where he can actually park outside the shop? was that a serious comment?). Walk past the multinationals to one of our fantastic local coffee shops (Rise, Cook and baker, Hawthorn's deli), try Hoopers instead of driving to John Lewis, take your children to the Goal Post, and buy your food in Chapel Lane or from Food4Macc.
When we spend £2 on a coffee in a locally owned business, all the profit stays in the town. When we spend £2 in a multinational or a supermarket, the profit disappears elsewhere. Making an effort to shop local really does make a difference: try it! Let's hear some positive ideas on this website and elsewhere and get behind the people who want to change things for the better!
However, it does highlight that too often the loudest opinion can get gets actioned, even if this is the wrong one. Moving the Artisan market to Sunday is a prime example of this.
For Wilmslow town to survive, it has to offer the public what it wants. It is not a charity that we should support out of a sense of public duty. Instead it is a commercial enterprise that needs to survive on its own accord by selling goods that the public wants to buy.
The people of Wilmslow have spoken with their feet and pockets in support of the market. They will readily come to the town center to buy this sort of produce. So for me the next step is to see how can the market and stall holders can go from being a once a month event to becoming a permanent part of the towns high street.
Surely the sensible place to hold the market is on the "service road" which runs in front of Sainsbury's, Finnigan's(!) and the Rex buildings? This road does not actually service anything, it does not get you to anywhere that cannot be reached by other routes and is merely a free short-stay car park. A German Christmas market was held there for a couple of years and seemed to work well, with the proviso that reserved nearby parking must be provided for the trader's vans. Utilising this road on one Saturday a month (or even weekly?) would not inconvenience those other than those drivers of 4x4s who seem unable towalk more than 30 feet.
I don't think that I have ever mentioned planters.
Visit the Knutsford top street on market day see what I mean
However I have lived in Wilmslow for 38 years and remember the town as very pleasant place to shop.
Perhaps you can blame the decline of Wilmslow on the arrival of Sainsburys as all the local grocers(3), butchers(4), fishmongers(2) and greengrocers(2) couldn't compete with a 'one stop' supermarket.
Perhaps it was the 'Wilmslow Card' that gave undo publicity to Wilmslow and encouraged investment landlords to push up the rents.
Perhaps it was the ridiculous amount of 'designer ware ' shops that opened leaving the town centre to die.
Perhaps it was pedestrianization that turned Grove Street from a bustling shopping thoroughfare
in to a soulless looking modern precinct type area.
It certainly wasn't the market on a Saturday, that gave some interest to Grove Street, to blame.
If Wilmslow is to survive, like many other market style towns around the country, there must be interest created in the shopping area and unfortunately the casual visitor might be put off as they pass through by the 'high end stores' that are positioned on Alderley Road and completely miss the 'local shops' that could lurk down Grove Street, Bank Square Area and Hawthorn Lane.
Knutsford's King Street is always 'interesting' to drive down and perhaps encourages the visitor to stop and peruse.
The pedestrian access has never seen to be an issue for the locals.
Here's a thought - Raze the whole area to the ground and let our favourite local builder have his way. At least green belt areas around us would be safe! Only kidding
What sort of shops do we actually want ?? we are well blessed with coffee shops, jewellers, charity shops, phone shops ..... OK this isn’t fair on the fully paid up High St ventures.. and I know it creates an uneven playing field.... but threads here suggest the interest to develop the town is there ... (The recent fish shop/ other commercial closures may suggest otherwise), but maybe there is an opportunity to do more than stand on the sidelines and do nothing.
As I said this is a simplistic view, the commercial success will depend on the product / service. What we don’t need is more of the same .......... And if there’s no appetite for change, convert some of the empty premises into residential and let people live back in the town. Now if only we had a cinema ..... Oh we did !!!
If you look slightly further afield from the town centre, there is a road which has a bakery, a butchers, a fish shop, a small (family run) convenience store which sells fruit and veg, as well as two chinese takeaways, an indian takeaway, five hairdressers (at the last count), a clothes shop, a stationers, a flower shop, a newsagents, a 'white goods' shop, a car parts shop, a stationary shop, plumbers/builders merchants as well as a paint/decorating store, artists shop and a shoe shop (apologies if I forgot any others).
The road??? Chapel Lane.
Clearly the rents are affordable in this area and people actually shop there. I would suggest that if we, as a community, really want to support family owned, local businesses then people shop there. If that means that the town centre has to adapt and look to different shops (clothes, dining, entertainment) to survive, then I suggest that's the best option. I don't understand why people feel that a single road in the town centre, with no parking outside has to include these sort of shops to be viable.
Surely it is better for the town centre to become a destination drawing in people from a wider area, rather than a place to buy the basics (when evidence suggests that most people use supermarkets for these). Simply dividing the limited customer base between more shops doesn't make sense.
Remember that supporting new ventures in the town centre may jeopardize the existing businesses viability by taking their existing trade away, so subsidies that may aim to assist, may actually cause more harm in the long run.
I don't have an answer to the town centre issue, but I would hope that any plans look holistically at Wilmslow as a whole and don't favour one location over another (and break what works well at the same time).
- Supermarkets with their ability to procure in bulk for less and sell for less
- Out of town shopping centres with free parking and everything under one roof
- WWW, have a website, some stock, a place to store it and some marketing, sell for less
- A lot of shoppers want to support local but want to pay less, something has to give
- Laziness of some, must park outside the store and for free
- High cost of rent and rates in town centres can make starting or running a business prohibitive
Maybe the question should be should we save them or what do we expect from a town centre? Maybe in the future they only come alive at night with bars and restaurants and during the day they are offices.
As Mario pointed out Chapel Lane is alive with some of the shops traditionally found in a town centre. Perhaps this is the future, instead of shops in the town centre, they are found in several areas within a town where the rent is much lower and the shops are able to serve their immediate community.
PS Talk of removing a pedestrianised area is crazy. One of the key reasons for doing this is safety in terms of avoiding an accident and lowering vehicle emissions in the area. Lots of drivers park on pavements now like it is the 'norm' even though it is illegal. Return pavements to pedestrians!