Fears for retail ‘casualties’
FEARS that this third Level 5 lockdown will result in a number of businesses not reopening have been voiced by Chamber of Commerce President Sean Farrell.
Sean, who is also the manager of The Marshes Shopping Centre, said that while the easing of restrictions prior to Christmas saw an improvement in trade, he is fearful that some shops won’t reopen.
‘ Trade was relatively good but unfortunately the new lockdown will have scuppered that, although with the big surge in COVID-19 figures, it was inevitable,’ he says.
He reveals that the feedback from traders was quite positive. ‘Despite the fact that footfall was down, trade was up.’
‘ The Shop Local campaign worked very well. The message to shop local to support local jobs had a good effect.’
People heeded the message and didn’t travel to do their Christmas shopping giving a much needed boost to local shops.
The Marshes was also affected by the two lockdowns with only shops classified as essential allowed to remain open. ‘ Trade was good since the reopening coming up to Christmas,’ he recalls. ‘We had a very busy first week and had to introduce a turnstile system.’
However, he said he is ‘concerned’ about this third lockdown. ‘I fear there will be casualties after it.’
With big name stores such as Mothercare and Pamela Scott closing their doors during the year and companies that are part of the Arcadia Group going into administration, there are worries that others may follow.
‘ There is always that fear factor with multi-nationals,’ says Sean, adding that the impact of Brexit will also be felt.