Costa to open on Main Street
Coffee giant takes former Edinburgh Woolen Mill unit - but local firms close
Coffee chain Costa is planning to open a site on Callander’s Main Street.
The Trossach’s town has been fighting back from an economic slump following the loss of a major retailer over the winter.
Now the coffee giant is planning on taking one of the four units left empty by the Edinburgh Woollen Mills Group, which left the popular tourist spot after a 25- year lease.
Where just a few months ago there were a total of nine empty shops along the high street of Callander, new business and f urt h e r investment have seen this tourist season begin with just two vacant units left — and companies lining up to take those prime spots.
Leading business figures in Callander held crisis meetings amid fears that the departure of four Woollen Mills outlets would result in a loss of coach parties and tourists, causing a massive slump in the economy
They came up with a number of incentives to help attract more business to the town.
But local shopkeepers say a lot more can still be done to help small businesses.
Florist Elaine MacIsaac opened up Pretty Little Flowers on the Main Street - but is closing her doors after business rates of £450 a month, on top of £750 rent, crippled her profits.
She said: “I’m moving back into sharing premises with a friend, and will be working at home on my wedding business.
“Things are improving in Callander, but it’s still got a long way to go and my fear is that only major chains like Costa will be able to afford prime spots - leaving many talented smaller businesses out in the cold.
“A discount on business rates would have made an enormous difference to me. Stirling Council could really turn things around for people like me, but they insist their hands are tied.” Elaine, who is also a community councillor, said the arrival of Costa was a doubleedged sword.
“On the one hand, it’s a vacant unit that’s being filled. But my fear is that people will pick this major brand over some of the smaller independent coffee shops in town.” Dick Lewis, joint partner at Mhor Bread, which serves coffee in the vicinity of the new Costa site, said: “I wouldn’t say I welcome Costa, but it will raise the bar and make other coffee shops up their game. If they are going to come, then you’ve got to compete.”
Wayne Johnson, who has extended his Applejacks coffee and sandwich business, said: “If it brings people to the town, and then they do a bit of shopping and sample some of the other businesses Callander has to offer, then I welcome it.”
A St i r l i n g C o u n c i l spokesperson said: “Stirling Council is keen to work with communities and businesses to support Callander and the wider rural area to develop ambitious and practical solutions to its economic wellbeing. The business rates in Scotland are set nationally by the Scottish Government, and while we have contacted the rates office to make them aware of the economic situation in Callander, Stirling Council officers do not have the power to change these rates.”
Costa were unavailable for comment.