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10th May 2008
Oxfordshire Retailers Flex Their Muscle
A group of ten independent retail outlets in the Oxfordshire market town of Witney have grouped together in a bid to fight the growing threat to their livelihoods, and those of 30-plus other independents, from a new shopping development in the town scheduled for completion next year. Building has already begun on the Marriotts Close complex which will attract such high profile multi-national names such as Monsoon, Accessorise, Debenhams and M & S.
Witney suffered severe flooding during July 2007 and this, plus recent slow trading conditions and high business rents and rates, has left many of the small shops in the town centre struggling. The Witney Independent Retailers' Association aims to raise the profile of its members and heighten the awareness amongst local people of the importance of supporting their existing small retail outlets which offer a level of personal service and expertise seldom matched by the larger retail outlets.
As quoted in the Witney Gazette, one member of the newly formed Association says.."Our fear is that the multiples will infringe on our trade. I don't think the general public realise how dire it is getting for us".
As is currently the case for so many towns where independent high street stores are suffering the double whammy of an economic slowdown and increasing competition from the arrival of large multiple retailers, the phrase "Use us or lose us" has never been more relevant. For these independent retailers, forming self interest groups such as the Witney Independent Retailers' Association may prove to be a valuable first step in tackling head on the threat from their larger rivals and underlining their claim to provide a viable and, in many instances, a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Sue Nayler (c) 2008 The Wholesaler UK
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