‘Positive future’ for city traders despite closures
BUSINESS LEADERS REMAIN UPBEAT BUT ADMIT RETAILERS FACE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL
NOTTINGHAM business chiefs are upbeat about the future of the city’s retail offering, despite the closure of two popular shops.
Men’s clothing store Big and Tall will leave Upper Parliament Street next month while its neighbour, Niva Nails, has already shut up shop.
A note left on the nail salon’s shop front informs customers the firm will be re-opening – but they will need to travel 120 miles to London for a manicure at its new home.
Plus-size specialist Big and Tall, part of Jonathon Charles, was bought by Sports Direct, which has a shop in Clumber Street, 18 months ago. Clothes from the company will be sold on the sportswear giant’s website and in stores.
Jeff Allen, chairman of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), which delivers projects and activities in the city, said businesses will decide not to continue with leases for various reasons, describing it as a “natural churn” in the high street.
And despite the latest closures, he is positive about the future of the street, particularly as there has been interest from other traders in vacant premises.
Mr Allen said: “We understand that a number of units on Upper Parliament Street are already under offer, which is good news, helped by the relatively high footfall on the road. It’s also great to see a new tea room called Josephine’s opening soon at the top of Market Street.
“Nevertheless, the retail scene is not easy and retail businesses are having to fight hard for survival.
“It is encouraging to see that the latest figures for vacancy rates show that Nottingham is generally faring well, bucking the predicted national trend for a rise in vacancies in 2018 and growing occupancy rates, regardless of the intu Broadmarsh development.”
Mr Allen added that with a strong independent sector and a thriving evening and night time economy, “Nottingham remains a great city in which to do business and also in which to work, live and study.”
The latest closures in Upper Parliament Street come just five months after the Spar Express closed – its owners said the store had been losing money for a “considerable amount of time”.
The Nottingham Post contacted Niva Nails and Sports Direct but they did not respond to requests for comment.