Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Whitefriars boss: ‘Shops will bounce back after Covid’
Manager optimistic about future of retail
Since Mark Stuart took over as the manager of Whitefriars almost a year ago, he has seen the shopping centre forced into lockdown twice in the battle against Covid-19.
He admits the situation is “absolutely dire” for most of its 65 businesses, the majority of which are now shut.
“We are doing all we can to support them and will be helping them bounce back when they can reopen,” he said. Seeing the retail centre largely deserted is, of course, not how he likes it. He wants it to be vibrant, with lots of activity - not a soulless shopping mall. And it’s a centre he knows well having previously managed BHS, now home to Primark. He later ran the still-thriving Middle Eastern arm of the retailer and was responsible for about 100 stores.
A former student of Canterbury College, he started his
career at Merchant Chandler in Orange Street and grew his extensive knowledge of retailing in the city at both HMV and Debenhams, as well as helping to introduce the Shopwatch scheme which connects businesses to the police and CCTV operators.
The 40-year-old father-of-two had been working for the Wyevale garden centres when he was invited to apply for the role of Whitefriars centre manager, to replace the departing Peter Scutt.
“When I was asked whether I was interested in running a shopping centre I was sceptical, until they told me it was in Canterbury and I jumped at the chance,” he said. “Because despite the undoubted challenges facing retail and the decline we are seeing in many locations, I think Canterbury is unique and has a bright future as a centre. “Of course, the lockdowns have been absolutely dire for businesses and some wellknown names have gone. “But we have to adapt and be innovative with the space we have.”
The decline in High Street retailing has led to a crash in the value of Whitefriars since the centre was controversially bought by the city council. The authority paid a total of £154 million for the business - largely through borrowing - but has seen its investment fall by at least £46 million, even before the pandemic.
But Mr Stuart says there is still keen interest from retailers in the several empty units it has, including the former Beaverbrooks jewellers.
The Canterbury Makers - a consortium of local artisans - is also taking space, with 18 separate retailers in the former Monsoon/accessorize shop. “The mix will change and evolve but it’s a fantastic site, and with Newriver running the commercial side with all its experience and retailing connections, I am confident Whitefriars will thrive,” Mr Stuart said. He also welcomed the redevelopments of the former Debenhams and Nasons sites, which he believes will only create a bigger draw to Canterbury. “Retailers are having to adapt themselves with more of an online presence, but many also recognise the historic attraction of Canterbury. It’s still a place to do business, “he said. “Only last week, Skechers opened a fabulous new shoe store in Whitefriars, although I’m sorry they’ve now been forced to close for a month in the second lockdown. “But I am optimistic Whitefriars will bounce back.”
‘Of course, the lockdowns have been absolutely dire for businesses and some well-known names have gone. But we have to adapt and be innovative...’