Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Pulling plug on lighting store
Another long-established city store has fallen victim to competition from online sales and “astronomic” business rates.
Anthony Janes is pulling the plug on his lighting shop, The Lighthouse in Palace Street, which has been trading in Canterbury since 1967.
He bought the business just over three years ago following the retirement of its original owner, Chris Bellamy, but has found it increasingly difficult to make it worthwhile.
“It’s a combination of factors really”, said the 53-year-old dad, who lives in Canterbury.
“Customers can just go online and order things these days from businesses that don’t have the same overheads as High Street premises, like astronomical business rates.
“And they can now buy lighting from so many different outlets which just weren’t around when Chris opened the shop more than 50 years ago.
“Back then, it was quite a unique store and people used to come from all over Kent.”
Anthony was working as an electrical wholesaler and had known Chris through the trade for many years.
He said: “When Chris retired I just thought it would be an opportunity but it hasn’t worked out.
“Fortunately, I do own the building and I have a tenant moving in so it won’t be empty and I still have my wholesaling business, which I will be able to dedicate more time to.
“I will be closed by the end of the month so have got a sale on with plenty of bargains to help sell off the remaining stock.”
Taking over the premises will be Vicky Lord, who is opening a new hair salon.