May 21, 2008

Independent Shops to CloseBy Joanne CochraneThisisExeter.co.uk

A city street known for its independently-owned shops is due to lose some of them because of the tough trading climate, according to retailers.

At least three shops in Fore Street, Exeter, are due to close down in the next few months, with proprietors citing difficult trading conditions as the main reason for their departures. But one trader says she has heard rumours that up to seven retailers are due to go.

The closures come despite efforts two years ago to rebrand the area and surrounding streets as Exeter’s West Quarter. Popular gift shop Kitsch-U-Like will close its doors on July 1, although owner Nik Sutherland says he will continue running its associated Web site.

Mr Sutherland, who has run the store for eight years and has previously been chairman of the Fore Street Traders’ Association, said: “We’re not making any money in the store but the Web site has really taken off. We’ll be overhauling it. It’s got to the point where the Web site is subsidising the shop.

“We’re now taking, on average, a third to a half of what we used to. It’s time to go. It’s very sad.

“I can only speak for myself, but there are several factors. It’s a bit to do with Princesshay. Also, there’s the fact that Plymouth University has closed its arts faculty department down.”

Read complete article.