Town ‘will survive’ 41 empty shops
Thursday 16th April 2009, 2:30PM BST.
Tony Creasey and Deputy Mary Lowe have concerns regarding empty Town shops. (0757255)
TOWN traders yesterday rejected suggestions that empty shops meant that St Peter Port was in trouble.
They acknowledged that conditions are difficult, especially for smaller operations, but one leading retailer said what was happening was ‘a blip’.
The reaction followed a survey by Deputy Mary Lowe which surprisingly found 41 retail premises were empty or for rent.
Local estate agents said the figures in the survey were misleading, claiming most of the empty premises were not prime retail.
However, Martel Maides director Nick Renny said that while successful businesses were riding out the economic difficulties, smaller and newer businesses have been struggling to get trade.
The survey showed Mill Street and Mansell Street to have been particularly hard hit and traders there were concerned. They said there was not one single issue leading to loss of businesses, but the emptying of shops was causing problems for the area.
Saiko proprietor Lucy Corbin said the situation did not help the atmosphere. ‘It doesn’t look nice to have empty shops.
‘However, there are many reasons for them being so. Some of them are unsafe or need sorting out. In some cases, landlords ask for too much rent and people just can’t afford it.’
- What does Town need to do to have a bright, secure future? Let us know using the comments box below
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Do they have to pay exorbitant non income based Business rates?
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Mill street has been mainly empty for more than few years. it is a shame but the the Rental prices have gone through the roof of most property rent in town.
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There is one answer to the above report cut the rents is it not better to get a little less than none at all.
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I think the prime location empty shops, for eg woolworth etc, can be given to some more international food joints like Pizza hut and Burger King.
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@Vijay – that’s been tried before. Burger King was popular for a couple of months when it was at where Riva is now, but then people stopped going and then it pulled out. I think it’s great that Guernsey hasn’t got the same usual fast food outlets here. A uniqueness!!
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Way to go Jon!You’re right. Guernsey is unique, and beautiful, and does not deserve to be turned into yet another US disaster zone.
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The reason Burger King was such a failure was that it wasn’t allowed to stay open until the early hours… if it was open at 2am on friday or saturday nights, then ppl would have rolled there straight out of Folies. But agreed, it is definitely a good thing Guernsey isn’t filled with the same fast food outlets as elsewhere… Vlad wouldn’t stand a chance. I would however push for a Subway…
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Subway lover, you have left me drooling for a meatball sub now…. Shut down Vlads and open a subway yeah!!!!
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Whats wrong with Subway? or even McDonalds healthy choice range is pretty good. At least McDonalds has facilities for kids, something sadly lacking in Guernsey. I think Guernsey has much more going for it than no fast food franchises. As long as they are reasonably healthy i cant see a problem. Why not let shops open late if they want too? Why not let them open on Sundays?
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Please don’t bring in those dreadful franchises to Guernsey. Let the local people sell their wares to local people. It’s about time the rents in Town were looked at – there’s a recession on Guernsey. I want to buy back home in Guernsey, but I see people are still asking totally outrageous amounts for property. Rents in Town have always been ridiculous. Not in trouble? Having a laugh surely?
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The simple answer to Mill Street is for the government to intervene and force the rents reasonable again. Mill Street gained popularity due to the number of small local shops located there during the 90s. Investing once again in those sorts of businesses wil no doubt bring local traders and shoppers back to the Old Quarter. We must not be afraid of regulation. You cannot expect the individual businessman or consumer to take an ethical stand for the sake of the whole community. That is a vital responsibility for the government.
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I too hope it is a Subway! And if you know the owner, please have them email me!
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Has the States looked into conducting a review of the ownership of the vacant stores and discussed with the owners reasons they are not renting them out.
Are landlords deliberately keeping properties vacant?
Is it simply that there are no new businesses wishing to move in at present?
I feel more investigation is required and should be made public.
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Either of these food chains would be fine i think. I totally appreciate the fact of Guernsey’s uniqueness, but as Rach said Guernsey have gone a long way in other areas, dont any problems of having one. They should be allowed have working hours which suits them, to make Guernsey more acceptable to the needs of people.
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To me it sems one of the main reasons that town in general is failing is that it has failed to get to grips with the internet trade. Although I believe that locals should buy locally it is unreasonable to expect to pay vastly inflated prices in town under the constant theory of “Delivery Costs”. For example when you can purchase a new HD TV for a fraction of the price, delivered next day for free, with full warranties from sites like Amazon.co.uk it is no wonder companies like Teleskill are closing down. Add to that the fact that some property owners seem to be happier with an empty retail outlet rather than dropping the rentals it is a recipe for a dead town. Mill Street is affected also by the new “lazy” culture of, if it’s not in a short walk of parking it does not get the footfall, thus trading is low and new businesses close. If there was a way to bring in some parking at the Mansell Street end I’m sure there would be an up turn in their fortunes as the public walk down to town and would then know those shops existed. Let’s keep Guernsey free of food chains as there really is no need for them or the additional rubbish that will litter the streets as is the case in Jersey, if you want that then move to Jersey, Milton Keynes or somewhere else equally as homogenous.
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We do not want burger King of such rubbish over here! Do you not remember the piles of Burger King rubbish all over town? Discusting, just like the food. And Rach, next time your eating one of those ‘Healthy’ McDonalds meals, just remember chances are it has more salt and calories then a Big mac. A creche/Children drop in centre would be far more use, and would incourage more people into town instead of internet shopping.
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The problem with increasing shop rents has been going on for 20 years…..the close of Maison Carre……..the Milkshake parlour and many more shops has always been there. Some chains are good for the island HMV, Sports World……..But McDonalds and the rest of them is there really a need?
Im sure a primark would help the local people cloth thier kids in this ever increasing credit cruch and support the extreme lack of cheaper childrens clothing stores.
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Surely any business which we allowed to open could be negotiated with concerning waste, using local produce etc?
The only reason which i like McDonalds is because of the facilities it has for children. The McDonalds playgrounds are fantastic. I would much prefer it to a “creche” because i like to look after my children myself – but that is just me. Like you say GsyGirl a lot of the food is high in salt and fat but comparable to anything from the Iceland range or any other takeaway food that we already have (Chinese or fish & chips etc).
Let them open as late as they want – the states needs the tax for our pensions!
And why complain about unemployment if you wont allow business in to employ them.
And i agree with Phil about the internet. I buy 99% of non-grocery shopping online as do most of my friends with small children. The only reason why we dont go into town is because of the lack of facilities for kids. I would much prefer to spend my money in Guernsey shops but feel i am forced not too because they obviously dont want my business – if they did they would provide facilities for kids wouldnt they.
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the world has moved on and you have to accept that fact. most, if not all of my mates will spend time on the net looking at prices first, before buying anything. why would you want to drive into town just to spend 30 mins going around in circles trying to find a parking space?
why would i want to look at last years models?
why would i want to pay “local” prices, only to find it cheaper on the net…including VAT?
the public seem to be voting with their feet, and it shows.
lets hope the co-op shows the way forward.
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Mill street was a basket case long before the Internet turned up. Gabriels in decline for 30 years. So no real surprises. There is a case for either huge business rate hikes forny premises closed for over two years and possibly compulsory purchase and public auction. Derelict retail shops suggest that the owners don’t care about the returns so charge them until it hurts or for sales to those that will use them.
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Trading via shops was the only real way of getting your goods (the manufacturers etc..) to the end user. Whereas now, browsing the internet provides wider choice, most times it will arrive within days (no having to remind the shop a week later, or wait for them to place it with their next order etc..), plus better advice from consumer reports.
Not driving to town, means no parking issues, less pollution.
Yet, commercial property landlords think it is acceptable to keep increasing rents!!!!
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I stayed On Herm Island last summer, and I went to Guernsey just for the morning. I wanted to get some lunch, but it was before 12 when I went back. So I wasnt able to get any takeaway or anything else, becuase they weren´t serving. And its not just me, who need to get something fast to take before or after lunch time, or maybe tea time. Thats the only reason I was thinking Subway or anything else would have its pros. I like Guernsey like its is and I hope I can visit again!
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here here to Primark…affordable prices and lots of choice, just what we need in this current financial climate.
Pretty pointless having a discussion about what to do with regards to empty shops, Mill Street etc, the States will not get off their a$$ and do something about it, they won’t help local business/people, just like they have nothing in place to help the younger locals get onto the property ladder, no housing schemes, hardly any part rent part buy.
And please, I’m quite bored of the “do you know how much 7 year old asian children are getting paid to make Primark clothes?”. No, and nor do I want to, just like I can’t do anything about the States being so useless, I can’t do anything about those children making clothes for ridiculous money. Some people would say I get paid peanuts, we all have to make a living some how!
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“children are getting paid to make Primark clothes”
Rice is much cheaper there, so it’s relative
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Carla – you can do something about it, don’t buy them! It’s a shame that you feel you can have no impact on the world around you. I guess its best for you to continue looking for bargains with your head buried in the sand. Yes “we all have to make a living some how” but it somehow seems unfair for a 7 year old to have to do so.
And BTW Primark clothing is cheap for a reason, its badly made so doesn’t last, ill fitting and generally quite chavvy. I find it amazing how so many in Guernsey seem to have such high opinions of this terrible store.
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Is that fact Jackie? Whilst I may sound ignorant and I really don’t want to, I’m only saying what I feel, I have a family of my own to feed and a young baby who’ll need clothing for the next 18 years courtesy of me, Primark would be a big help in my life, it’s about looking after your own and child labour isn’t my own….
The way I see it, these children are able to earn money to make their lives better, even it it’s just to eat, it keeps them off the streets and safe if you like, and if that stops the endless adverts on tv and on the net begging the western world for money, bring it on.
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Cheap, meaning it’s affordable, with bang up to date fashions which being female comes in very handy, so what if it only lasts a few washes, it’s cheap enough to buy more clothes.
Why doesn’t anybody have an opinion on New Look, same thing?
Terrible to you, handy, affordable, a pleasure to others.
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Mill street is never going to be a busy shopping street until there is either a good reason to go there or parking so it gets foot traffic.
I remember before the north beach opened the pollet was the dead zone of town. Now its thriving.
In the current economic climate i can’t see anyone taking over the lease of Woolies and even after recovery i can’t think of a single national franchise that could fill that space profitably.
Until it is leased out though how about turning it into an indoor market. People could rent stall’s (tables) and sell whatever they want (within reason). It might not make huge amounts but surely something is better than nothing)
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And so our Guernsey Visitor has hit the nail on the head, Subway would in fact be a great idea….
As it is a sandwich shop, it would have a much broader appeal on an everyday lunchtime basis than a Burger King.. who would go out of their way for a burger an chips for lunch everyday!?
For those who have said that rubbish from these outlets would be an eyesore – do they really find food wrappers with brand names on them that much more offensive than the food wrappers without brand names on them that already litter town?
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J – the Woolworths location will be filled within the next year, not all retailers are suffering in the current economic situation, especially the discounters. I agree that an indoor market would be good, even if it was just a car boot sale on Saturdays.
Carla – where do I start, on the one hand you claim to be struggling to buy clothes for your kids, on the other you say that you require only the most up to date fashions and need this luxury to come cheap. Ever heard of the term ‘false economy’, that’s what Primark clothing is.
I do understand that clothing Kids is difficult due to the constant growth spurts etc, but maybe when they get to a certain age (6 or 7 seems fine) you can send them out to work, that could help with the bills!
Also please clarify “Terrible to you, handy, affordable, a pleasure to others”.
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Is there no way the States could help out local entrepreneurs or artists by leasing the current vacant units to them cheaply? This would help the entrepreneurs/artists showcase their work whilst filling the empty shops and making the streets more lively.
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Good idea, just another 5 years to go and she can get a job of her own, save me buying her clothes, she could even make them herself, save us even more money!….
Having up to date fashion is hardly a “luxury”, luxury would be a £1,900 leather handbag! Not 3 vests for a fiver!
I’m by far struggling to buy clothes for my baby, I do struggle with choice without a doubt but I’m sure most mothers would tell you that. But with the way children grow we need more choice at affordable prices.
Primark clothes might be a terrible thought to one person, but good to another!
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Scot_on_the_rock – it will never happen, that’s what I mean about the States not doing anything to help, they can’t be bothered, they’d rather spend millions of pounds each year on locum Psychiatrists at the Castel Hospital who bearly put in the normal 9-5 hours, leaving early and taking the pure pi££ out the system, then they cramble for the on-call hours because they get paid for 24 hours work (more than the average Guernsey person earns in a month). Rather than the States getting together to make being able to live in Guernsey appealing to Psychiatrist’s, being easier on housing laws, what price bracket propertyy can purchase etc, they’ll push all the decent doctors out who want to settle here with the greedy locum doctors who see this as a gold mine – all the while the patients suffer as they never have continuity of care!
Bit of a ramble there but I worked within this department and was shocked to see the money being wasted just because the States can’t see the bigger picture!
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Carla – having up-to-date fashion is a luxury, a £1,900 handbag is excessive. I couldn’t comprehend the rest of your post so I will leave it at that.
Scot_on_the_rock – it would be great if these places were more accessible to entrepreneurs and artists, if only. .
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Dean
A car boot sale in Woolies old shop? Are you saying turn it into a multi-storey car park?
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Good Point, perhaps without the cars then.
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Crikey i must be the only one here who has never heard of subway sandwiches! We have plenty of sandwich shops in town: one at the bottom of Mill Street, One in Market Street, several in the pollet, the arcade etc etc. M&S also do them. It is knowing where to buy these things from.
Primark may be cheap but they last kids a season and do not break the bank. Other shops can sell similar clothes which still fall apart (anyway that is the fashion now – the more holes the better). Their tights for example are such good value at about £2 for 5 pairs and are just as good as the expensive ones. The argument that it is supporting child labour is flawed as without these jobs the children would have even less – at least they are getting paid and hopefully this will then enable them to access other things that we take for granted like education and medical attention.
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Dean, if I honestly thought MY thoughts on the States and the rest of the bulls*&% that goes on in this island would make the least bit of difference I’d try to explain myself! So, like you, I’ll leave it at that!
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Merlin – you clearly don’t know what you are talking about. The majority of these children will be kept from going to school in order to join their parents in stitching these clothes. They do this because their parents are not paid enough to support the family by these companies. These children are deprived of an education, not given access to it. You are commenting based on personal assumption.
No body is perfect and it is very difficult to make ‘morally correct’ purchases all of the time, but to make these purchases believing you are actually helping that poor child who makes/stitches/grows it is extremely ignorant.
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