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A week of highs and lows for our city high street

Everyone loves a bargain, I know I do, so it was sad to hear Poundland will be leaving Chichester next month when its lease is up.

Hundreds of our readers commented on our Facebook page after we shared the news once the rumours were confirmed. Many were sad and shocked the shop was leaving and said it always seemed busy.

Others said they would prefer other stores in its place. Poundland may not be to everyone’s taste but to see any business leave our city cannot be welcome news, especially one which people say was busy and had lovely staff members.

The company said the staff would be relocated to stores in Bognor, Worthing, Portsmouth and Crawley and we wish them all the best.

One good bit of news is that the store Poundland is vacating will not be left empty for long as toy shop The Entertainer announced it would be moving in by ‘early summer’.

Our reporters also spoke to two other new businesses this week.

Opening on Saturday, Bear and Boy, Fresh!– a new grocery store and eaterie in Drapers Yard – will offer fresh meats, fish, vegetables, bread and cakes from 15 local suppliers and also serve breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.

Meanwhile, independent florists, Hedge Rose, opened three weeks ago in The Hornet and has received ‘good luck’ cards from friends and other passers-by as well as compliments shouted from cars as they drive past.

Unfortunately, independent business Bearded Bob’s Coffee and Gelato Emporium in North Street closed last week.

It really has been a retail rollercoaster for Chichester over the last few weeks. We would like to say a sad goodbye to the businesses leaving us and a warm welcome to those arriving in our city.