This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

SHOP trade in St Peter Port is slowing down.

That grim assessment came from deputy and retailer Brian Gabriel. ‘I think Town is dying, yes - it’s a long process, but slowly and surely it’s dying,’ said Deputy Gabriel, who runs Gabriel’s in Fountain Street.

‘We’ve seen empty shops in Mill Street and the Bordage but now there are empty shops in the Arcade, the High Street and Smith Street.’

And some other retailers are noticing a slowdown in trade.

Deputy Gabriel added that there had been changes, with retailers moving away from traditional corner shop-style trading.

‘I don’t mind that - change is inevitable - but many traders agree that Town is slowly dying.’

He added there were many reasons for the decline, including the rise in internet and postal shopping, club books, different lifestyles and the fact that fewer visitors were coming to Guernsey.

‘The supermarket offerings have changed.

‘They are offering duvets and clothing now - you can get Levi’s jeans in Safeway,’ he said.

‘The high rents aren’t helping in Town at all - it’s pushed some out.’

He added that the decline in the Markets over the last nine years had also had an effect.

‘Yes, we’re all looking forward to it opening again, but let’s see what happens.’

There were also fewer spaces on the south side of Town in which to park, he said.

Deputy Gabriel made his comments during the States paid parking debate last week. He voted for a rise in fuel duty instead of paid parking.

‘I will not be the one driving the final nail in the coffin.’

The States narrowly voted to stick with plans for paid parking in long-term spaces in Town, but it has sent the Environment Department back to think again about extending it to other areas.

Soundtrack owner Barry Dodd said St Peter Port had never been so quiet.

The shop has been in Church Square for 37 years.

‘There are changes to the way things are happening in Town, but why, we don’t know.’

Trade was good with installation work, he added.

‘But it’s nice to have a busy shop and talk to everyone.’

Parking was an issue, he said.

Article posted on 3rd April, 2007 - 12.00am