24/01/13

Herne Bay firms urge shoppers to choose local after big names' collapse

Blockbuster Video called in the administrators last week

by Nisha Chopra

A week after a third major retailer called in the administrators, town centre managers in Herne Bay believe it will help give a boost to independent stores.
 
Just this month, Jessops, HMV and Blockbusters all admitted their businesses were struggling, with the loss of stores and jobs in the county.
 
But development manager for Kent's Federation of Small businesses, Andrew Aves, said the loss of the major retailers may be the ticket to independents making a comeback: “We've found from our surveys that independent stores are quiet optimistic as a whole.
 
“They do offer that personal service that is often lacking in some of the chain stores”

 
                    The HMV store in St Margarets Street, Canterbury

Chris West, coastal towns manager for Herne Bay and Whitstable, said: "I think if they're sensible with the units they take up independents stand a good chance."
 
Liz Jackson, who owns coffee shop The Pantry on Mortimer Street, said you have to stand out from the crowd: “We have a bit of a niche market and we keep out prices competitive.
 
“If you get it right and you don't demand too much from customers, you will survive on the high street.”
 
But it's a different picture for Graham Harmsworth, owner of Music Bay, who believes the demise of most music stores is due to online shopping: “We’re putting more money into the business then taking out.
 
“People these days are out of the habit of shopping - years ago it was the traditional shopping on a Saturday, now it’s not so general anymore.”