Really?
Well-Known Forumite
Not necessarily. I think that the situation lends itself to the problem. That end of town is getting a lot less footfall because of the number of empty shop units. If you are dependant on that flow of traffic just to entice someone through the door to purchase, it is going to have a massive detrimental effect. Apparently, since Greggs closed its shop at the top end of town, it has effected takings for the shops that remain. Whatever, you think of its fast food offer, it drew people towards that end of town. We can only hope that independents can take their place and provide a market differential with what you can buy in the usual chains.
There is no way an independent with any sense would try a shop up that end of town - the Business Rates are crippling. Independents trade on the outskirts of the main drag - and they have to try and drag people away from the High Street whilst the Council try and drag people back to the High Street so the chains can pay their rent and rates. The Council need to encourage meandering and exploring of the town, we really do have plenty of gems within a two minute walk of the High Street.