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Trade News Archive 2009 January February March April May
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5th May 2009
Local retail opinions mixed over future in Leicester
While independent stores in Leicester's Highcross retail centre and boutique shopping areas remain bullish about their future prospects, those further away from the high street are finding life increasingly difficult.
That is according to the Leicester Mercury, which spoke to a cross section of retailers across the city to learn that many fear plans for a £67 million bus station could divert many potential customers away from shops around the existing St Margaret bus station.
Matthew Hammett, a local retailer specialising in computers and accessories, suggested that a growing number of vacant stores could provide further difficulties for traders based in the East Midlands city.
He said: "The empty shops don't look nice. If St Margaret's bus station went, that would kill off the passing trade."
However, Mr Hammett did express some optimism over the future, adding that a new restaurant recently opened in Churchgate, which is close to the shopping centre.
"There are a lot of good small shops along here providing services you can't get in the Highcross," the retailer added.
Last month, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that more than ten UK retailers fell victim to the economic downturn every day during the first quarter of 2009.
(c) 2009
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