Top retailer quits Weymouth town centre (From Thisisdorset)

Top retailer quits Weymouth town centre

11:00am Saturday 25th August 2012 in Latest By Samantha Harman

The Next store in St Mary Street, Weymouth

WEYMOUTH’S high street has been dealt another blow as it is revealed a major retailer will leave town after more than 25 years.

National fashion chain Next will shut the doors of its St Mary Street store before the end of 2012, the Echo has learned.

The company refused to comment but it is understood devastated staff learnt of the closure at a meeting held at the branch on Thursday.

They were informed the shop would close on December 29 and they will be given priority for jobs at the company’s neighbouring branches in Dorchester and Yeovil, which are not affected.

It is just one in a long line of knocks to Weymouth’s town centre in recent years.

Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce president Anna Maria Geare said: “It’s very sad to see any retailer go from the high street, especially a store from a national chain.

“All we can hope is that the staff will be re-employed elsewhere.

“Unfortunately, it is a sign of the recession that even national retailers have to scale back.

“Next has got a huge level of online custom, people don’t necessarily have to come in to the town centre to do their shopping.

“It’s such a shame to see a big name leave our high street.

“I feel very sorry for the staff, especially in the current economic climate, where jobs aren’t as easy to secure.”

Local businessman Shaun Hennessey said: “Its prominent position has long been held as the benchmark for higher rent in the town.

“It is often used by landlords as a reason to keep rents high.

“But nobody would like to see such a prominent space empty.

“What a shame.

“Next is a company that has been building its online profile.

“Inevitably, that leads to it closing its older high street units.

“Although it is in a prominent position on our high street, it’s not the biggest retail unit.

“From a business point of view, it’s another sign of the struggle that retailers are facing. More and more niche retailers will be the future of our town, I think. I feel for the staff – they were always very efficient and helpful.”

Next has more than 500 stores in the UK and Ireland.

Its parent company, Next plc, earned pre-tax profits of £570m in the last financial year.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for economic development Ian Munro-Price said: “It is always disappointing to see the departure of a familiar national chain store from our streets, and particularly since Next recently showed modest increases in half-year sales and profits results.

“However, Weymouth’s recent experience shows that the independent sector is ready and able to take up empty retail space which has both retained retail choice for consumers and maintained employment.” Speaking outside the store yesterday, shoppers said they were ‘shocked’ by Next’s departure.

Sarah Wolfe, from Weymouth, said: “I am really sad to hear this.

“I shop online, but I do come into the store too.

“I guess it will become another secondhand shop.

“Don’t get me wrong, I do go into them – but I think there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

“I really love Weymouth and I like the fact it’s a bit quirky, but to lose a big name like Next is a huge shame.”

Comments(59)

PHonnor says...
11:45am Sat 25 Aug 12

The council are slowly but surely pricing business out the town, for Munro-Price's "independent sector" see charity shop, the Cider bar is closing next week as they cannot afford to pay the council, phone shop anyone?

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Peter6 says...
11:52am Sat 25 Aug 12

This town is becoming a ghost town.

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ohcetesrod says...
11:59am Sat 25 Aug 12

Too many of us shop online then we are part to blame for he demise of the high street.

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Top Gear says...
12:25pm Sat 25 Aug 12

ohcetesrod wrote:
Too many of us shop online then we are part to blame for he demise of the high street.

Next has its own online shop so i think this is the future of business. No high council rent and low overheads. Most towns will be left with charity shops and pound type stores.

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fedupweymouth says...
12:29pm Sat 25 Aug 12

I always use next online as the weymouth shop was so small it carried very little of their range. I personally wouldnt pay to park to shop in weymouth i would rather go to Dorchester

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monkeydog says...
12:57pm Sat 25 Aug 12

“Unfortunately, it is a sign of the recession that even national retailers have to scale back."
Nothing to do with the council then. They've been obsessed with the Olympics for two years and have neglected local businesses. Car park fees, the loss of one million visitors from the ferries, people going to Dorchester to shop because it's easier and cheaper etc. etc. We are going back to living in a town of estate agents and charity shops and the council seem to be oblivious to the fact.

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ManOnTheSilverMountain says...
1:10pm Sat 25 Aug 12

On the other hand of course, it's a great time to be selling large sheets of board in the Weymouth area.

What with all the closing down stores and broken windows due to drunken louts of the remaining handful of shops, it's a great time to be selling it.

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t.munro says...
3:18pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Don't think your council, set or collect rents. Shops are profit makers for their owners, when they cease to be they shut. As a few have said on this page
They use the Internet, increasinly it is the customer who chooses to reject the High Street. The old adage comes to mind ' use it or lose it' as always people want it always. In this case Next is growing on line sales, so doesn't need a shop, that customers have chosen not to use.

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jenrick says...
3:29pm Sat 25 Aug 12

I agree, car park charges far too high, I will only shop in Dorchester, much better to park and far cheaper plus more selection of shops. Council need a wake up call to keep poor Weymouth alive with the retailers, but dont hold your breath, they never listen!

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steve.popeye says...
3:40pm Sat 25 Aug 12

OK, being an ex weymouth business owner, I have some valid experience and views on this subject...

A) Local businessman Shaun Hennessey said: “Its prominent position has long been held as the benchmark for higher rent in the town. “It is often used by landlords as a reason to keep rents high. ““From a business point of view, it’s another sign of the struggle that retailers are facing. More and more niche retailers will be the future of our town, I think''.

I totally agree here that unscrupulous landlords actively keep rents high, they don’t care if the business succeeds or fails, as long as someone is paying them a monthly rental fee. Niche retailers WON'T come into weymouth town center BECAUSE rentals are stupidly high and expensive, and as we all know, weymouth is very much a seasonal town, half the shops are forced to cease trading during the winter months because the economics of staying open do not stack up, so its cheaper to NOT trade.

B)Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for economic development Ian Munro-Price said: “It is always disappointing to see the departure of a familiar national chain store from our streets, “However, Weymouth’s recent experience shows that the independent sector is ready and able to take up empty retail space which has both retained retail choice for consumers and maintained employment.”

Do you really think that the shoppers and residents of Weymouth are that stupid to not realise that your veiled comments are referring the recent Olympic Games heats held in the bay as a valid an indication to the economic future success. Do you honestly think that the games have built a future economic legacy for local business and residents for years to come?? The horrendous local press articles and lack of actual air time showcasing Weymouth and Portland's fantastic business oppurtunities and scenery to locals and visitors would have certainly put and end to that argument. Now, getting back specifically to the argument that small business will now flood the town centre looking for rental premesis’s..ok I grant you that a few interested parties may make initial enquiries, but as soon as they realise the outrageous Business Rates that WPBC charge, the high rents, lack of footfall through the town centre for the majority of the year, the fact that the cellars through town centre flood at the slightest hint of a downpour..surely it would be enough to put the most foolhardy people off setting up any business that could be considered more than a ‘Pop Up’ shop?? Ian Munro-Price, I find your comments harmful and offensive. And don’t even get me started on the WPBC Chamber of Commerce..does it even exist I wonder???
Its such a shame, Weymouth and Portland really is a great little town but WPBC are allowing certain individuals too much power while others do nothing, stand back and let the whole area go to rack and ruin. OK, so the Army and Navy bases cl...osed down a few years ago, doesnt mean the whole town has too. WPBC and Chamber of Commerce should have seen that as an on going oppurtunity to breath new life in the area. There are some great business's locally that are trading on an International level, they are too be applauded. But there are so many more local trades that need to be helped, not penalised and charged out of business by the greedy few.

OK, being an ex weymouth business owner, I have some valid experience and views on this subject... A) Local businessman Shaun Hennessey said: “Its prominent position has long been held as the benchmark for higher rent in the town. “It is often used by landlords as a reason to keep rents high. ““From a business point of view, it’s another sign of the struggle that retailers are facing. More and more niche retailers will be the future of our town, I think''.  I totally agree here that unscrupulous landlords actively keep rents high, they don’t care if the business succeeds or fails, as long as someone is paying them a monthly rental fee. Niche retailers WON'T come into weymouth town center BECAUSE rentals are stupidly high and expensive, and as we all know, weymouth is very much a seasonal town, half the shops are forced to cease trading during the winter months because the economics of staying open do not stack up, so its cheaper to NOT trade.  B)Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for economic development Ian Munro-Price said: “It is always disappointing to see the departure of a familiar national chain store from our streets, “However, Weymouth’s recent experience shows that the independent sector is ready and able to take up empty retail space which has both retained retail choice for consumers and maintained employment.” Do you really think that the shoppers and residents of Weymouth are that stupid to not realise that your veiled comments are referring the recent Olympic Games heats held in the bay as a valid an indication to the economic future success. Do you honestly think that the games have built a future economic legacy for local business and residents for years to come?? The horrendous local press articles and lack of actual air time showcasing Weymouth and Portland's fantastic business oppurtunities and scenery to locals and visitors would have certainly put and end to that argument. Now, getting back specifically to the argument that small business will now flood the town centre looking for rental premesis’s..ok I grant you that a few interested parties may make initial enquiries, but as soon as they realise the outrageous Business Rates that WPBC charge, the high rents, lack of footfall through the town centre for the majority of the year, the fact that the cellars through town centre flood at the slightest hint of a downpour..surely it would be enough to put the most foolhardy people off setting up any business that could be considered more than a ‘Pop Up’ shop?? Ian Munro-Price, I find your comments harmful and offensive. And don’t even get me started on the WPBC Chamber of Commerce..does it even exist I wonder??? Its such a shame, Weymouth and Portland really is a great little town but WPBC are allowing certain individuals too much power while others do nothing, stand back and let the whole area go to rack and ruin. OK, so the Army and Navy bases cl...osed down a few years ago, doesnt mean the whole town has too. WPBC and Chamber of Commerce should have seen that as an on going oppurtunity to breath new life in the area. There are some great business's locally that are trading on an International level, they are too be applauded. But there are so many more local trades that need to be helped, not penalised and charged out of business by the greedy few. steve.popeye

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Laadeeda says...
3:46pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Look at it from Next's point of view in Weymouth. They have to pay high business rates.

Customers have to pay high parking fees.

On the other hand. Bournemouth, Castle Point. Large multi floored store carrying larger stock including furniture.

Large car park with no charges!

No contest really!

Maybe they will return at the New Look site when Sainsbury opens!!!!

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dynarob says...
4:38pm Sat 25 Aug 12

t.munro wrote:
Don't think your council, set or collect rents. Shops are profit makers for their owners, when they cease to be they shut. As a few have said on this page
They use the Internet, increasinly it is the customer who chooses to reject the High Street. The old adage comes to mind ' use it or lose it' as always people want it always. In this case Next is growing on line sales, so doesn't need a shop, that customers have chosen not to use.

The council do set & collect rents if they own any of the high street properties (not uncommon but I can't speak for Weymouth).

The council do however definitely collect business rates from every commercial property which is trading. A quick search shows that 86 St Marys St has a rateable value of £67,500 which means Next have to pay the council £30,915 a year (this is on top of any rent they pay to anybody).

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CoogarUK.com says...
4:55pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Olympics legacy?

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WeyDave says...
5:39pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Weymouth's Park and ride charges £3.50 to go to Weymouth or £1.50 to go all the way to Dorchester. Where would you go?

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melcombe boy says...
6:16pm Sat 25 Aug 12

dynarob wrote:

t.munro wrote:
Don't think your council, set or collect rents. Shops are profit makers for their owners, when they cease to be they shut. As a few have said on this page
They use the Internet, increasinly it is the customer who chooses to reject the High Street. The old adage comes to mind ' use it or lose it' as always people want it always. In this case Next is growing on line sales, so doesn't need a shop, that customers have chosen not to use.
The council do set & collect rents if they own any of the high street properties (not uncommon but I can't speak for Weymouth).

The council do however definitely collect business rates from every commercial property which is trading. A quick search shows that 86 St Marys St has a rateable value of £67,500 which means Next have to pay the council £30,915 a year (this is on top of any rent they pay to anybody).

I think you might find that business rate income goes straight to central government.

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Is it me or is everything rubbish? says...
6:28pm Sat 25 Aug 12

W&P Council have NO CONTROL over the rent charged on properties that they do not own.
.
W&P Council have NO CONTROL over how much Business Rates a business is charged.
.
W&P Council DO NOT get the Business Rates payment- it goes into a Central Government pot which is then used across the country on regeneration and improvements.
.
A combination of high rent, high business rates and low sales will have contributed to the decision to close this store. Nothing W&P Council could have done would have kept the shop open (unless they provided a subsidy to Next, which isn't fair to everyone else).

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islandman says...
7:29pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Look at the photograph of the store, you will see it has the highest step to gain entry. How difficult it must be for mothers with prams and anyone with a walking problem to gain access. If by some stroke of good luck, you do get in, there isn't room to swing the proverbial cat. Yes, it may well be a loss, but hopefully whoever chooses to lease the place, will site the door on the side.

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ex sapper says...
7:39pm Sat 25 Aug 12

on the subject of car parking fees,if they cut parking fees they will have to replace the lost income from a different source,which means the rates will have to rise or services cut

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weymouthfox says...
8:47pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Walking through the town today, I noticed so many empty shops. This is high season, August in Olympic year when traders were promised economic boom and more customers than could be accommodated in our little town. And the chamber of commerce still exists amazingly, having gone along with council plans to increase parking charges and restrictions and despite having allowed the council to erect barricades all round the town deterring even determined shoppers. The council and the chamber can now see the town in complete decline- and I repeat this is August. Imagine the situation in October with many more closed shops, few shoppers, but still sky high parking charges. What fools are the councillors and their chamber of commerce poodles.

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weymouthfox says...
8:49pm Sat 25 Aug 12

PS Have you noticed nothing is ever the council's fault? Sack them all.

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Crabber says...
9:08pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Munro-Price will back this up and stand by any moves to help the dying twon out ,like he did with Officers Field on Portland and then turn his back and sale you down the rive

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SILVERMAN says...
7:10am Sun 26 Aug 12

This is not the first shop to close recently, and it will not be the last.
Trade in this town was damaged by the olympics. When they started doing those unneccessary road works, which caused so many queues, ( remember them ), people stopped coming to Weymouth, and started shopping elsewhere. Who can blame them? Tourists got totally fed up sitting in queues, who can blame them? They went elsewhere. People are, in the main, creatures of habit, and once they started going elsewhere, they carried on going elsewhere.
Certainly the council car parks are too expensive. Should be pay on exit, saves a fortune in running costs, and have first 2 hours free.But dont blame the council for the high level of business rates. They do not set them, only collect them, and they dont get to keep it.
Weymouth has had it! It has gone past the point of no return. Watch out for many more closures, which will not be replaced by small independents or anyone else..... Ask yourselves ... Would you open a business in Weymouth right now? Not likely

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t.munro says...
7:21am Sun 26 Aug 12

Crabber wrote:
Munro-Price will back this up and stand by any moves to help the dying twon out ,like he did with Officers Field on Portland and then turn his back and sale you down the rive

wrong person, facts seem to be a stranger to you.

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Under35andout says...
11:00am Sun 26 Aug 12

GOOD ON NEXT , its rubbish shop in weymouth anyway its small has limited stock and prob wasnt even making a profit , you have to go up 2 flights of stairs to look at 1 rack of mens jeans at stupid prices , rather not thanks and shopping online na no thanks i wouldnt shop at next online either rather go m@m direct where i get much better quality for price , look at the councils efforts to make money is funny , 12 grand a year for a poxy shop where theres no trade when u can go into london or a big city for the same price , lol @ weymouth what a poo hole

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Sidney Hall says...
12:06pm Sun 26 Aug 12

WHSmith next.

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JimmyTheWeed says...
12:55pm Sun 26 Aug 12

WeyDave wrote:
Weymouth's Park and ride charges £3.50 to go to Weymouth or £1.50 to go all the way to Dorchester. Where would you go?

It's the same price to go to either. Once you have paid to park, you just get on your bus of choice.

The park and ride varies it's price depending upon the season/

Summer/Xmas = 3.50/day
Mid-season = 2.50/day
off-season = 1.50/day

That includes the bus for upto 5 people. That's a pretty good deal.

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tackleberry says...
1:01pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Perhaps we should all look at the wider picture. Like it or not this town is a tourist resort, and many businesses rely on this our main industry, as the local trade is not sufficient, taken over the whole 12 months, to stay afloat. Over the last 3 years we have seen this industry deliberately destroyed by LOCOG and DCC, so Weymouth could be tourist free for the main event and not get in the way of the few Olympic spectators. No thought was ever given to the future of local people or business when the roundabouts were ripped up over 2 years, causing disruption during holiday seasons, resulting in very bad publicity for the area all over the whole country. Our grockles loved the fairy lights, so these were removed together with the listed lampstands (some of which were smashed), and replaced with 'out of keeping with a conservation area' modern clutter, that only a few seem to like. The road system that was put in-place for Olympics is so badly designed that king street had to be closed for the event.This putting off many people. Adverts on local radio up and down the country told people 'Not to come to Weymouth for a holiday by car.' Boards on main routes read 'Avoid Weymouth, heavy congestion.' Condor ferries were removed because of a damaged sea wall, so bayside farce could use the car park and the ferry would not disrupt by docking and unloading its cars. So what does everyone expect? The town to carry on as normal? the grockles have been put off coming, so the money is'nt here. Many more businesses will close this year because of all this. But don't worry those in county hall have made sure that their shops in Dorchester are open for you to spend your money as your town dies.

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Under35andout says...
1:52pm Sun 26 Aug 12

if i was a shop keeper i would wait till the summer ends shut up shop and move to dorchester as well

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Under35andout says...
1:57pm Sun 26 Aug 12

btw Comet, Millets and Weymouth Hi-Fi are all shut http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-dor
set-16962547 even bbc news are on the case Weymouth committing suicide, says retail expert
and thats a expert not a dumb ignorant council worker

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Under35andout says...
2:01pm Sun 26 Aug 12

The full story will be broadcast on Inside Out South on BBC 1 on Monday 13 February at 19:30 GMT. It will also be available afterwards on iPlayer. lol good way to attract new buisness

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Under35andout says...
2:02pm Sun 26 Aug 12

face it weymouth is dead i warn u shop keepers move out dont let the council win

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Get a grip says...
4:08pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Dynrob

I am also a critic of Weymouth Council however you cannot blame them for business rates as this is set by central government and the council have to collect it.

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shaun blondz says...
7:07pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Tim Munroe good to see you read local comments but saddened to see you chose to ignore countless mentions of parking charges but were happy to put a sly comment defending yourself
For your information it is not all about YOU.. IT IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED YOU TO REPRESENT THEM AND WHO PAY YOUR EXPENSES just remember that for once in your somewhat inglorious council tenure.

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Taxpayinglocal says...
7:20pm Sun 26 Aug 12

any1 saying online shopping is the reason, is nonsense, this is "business" if its "making money" it will stay open if not it will close its that simple, lets put it even simpler. Neighbouring stores in Yeovil and Dorchester are remaining open, why, because they "MAKE MONEY". Weymouths is closing why, because its "NOT MAKING MONEY". If a chain this big is losing money in a town like Weymouth, then its serious!! Next have a online store too, so they know what they are doing, they know all about online shopping vs high street. Weymouth is dying literally by the week. But yet Yeovil and Dorchesters stores are open and staying open for the foreseeable future. Something is wrong with Weymouths economy system, and it doesnt take a genious to work out what that is. Of course this apparent "recession" doesnt help, BUT i stress again, Yeovil and Dorchesters stores are staying open!

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ksmain says...
7:28pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Under35andout wrote:
face it weymouth is dead i warn u shop keepers move out dont let the council win

Much as I think that WPBC are a bunch of numptys and there is no evidence that the Olympics that have done so much damage to trade this year (and for which there is no evidence that they help long term), this is a really stupid statement.

Who is going to pay the extra cost of the effect of lower income into the Government? The taxpayer, thats you and I buddy (unless you dont work of course).

Not surprised about Next - we use their online facility or include a visit to them if we go to Street. That store was always too small even compared to Dorchester.

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bollywood says...
7:52pm Sun 26 Aug 12

I rarely shop on-line as I enjoy the experience of going shopping and seeing the goods first hand. Today, Sunday I shopped in Bridport, and whilst not all the shops were open I parked free. Weymouth parking is far too expensive and I don't need to see anymore charity shops thankyou. Why does this council not listen to local people about the shops, transport and parking issues instead of paying for an out of town advisor who hasn't got a clue.

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FooWoo says...
8:17pm Sun 26 Aug 12

I hear Debenhams might be next. Parking too greedy in Weymouth. The council should be worried about up and coming Dorchester.

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FooWoo says...
8:29pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Is it me or is everything rubbish? wrote:
W&P Council have NO CONTROL over the rent charged on properties that they do not own.
.
W&P Council have NO CONTROL over how much Business Rates a business is charged.
.
W&P Council DO NOT get the Business Rates payment- it goes into a Central Government pot which is then used across the country on regeneration and improvements.
.
A combination of high rent, high business rates and low sales will have contributed to the decision to close this store. Nothing W&P Council could have done would have kept the shop open (unless they provided a subsidy to Next, which isn't fair to everyone else).

But they have control of the car park fees.

I and a lot of others will not pay over a certain amount for parking.

I work away from Weymouth and the amount of time I hear the jokes about weymouth parking fees. It is to much and don't charge people for going to the loo - that is a joke.

Olympics legacy showed you that reducing parking fees makes a huge difference. Learn and try these things or Dorchester will take your business and people who pay council tax which will hurt weymouth and not central government.

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Hardy Lass says...
8:34pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Evans abandoned ship and now Next so what is going on in this skanky little seaside town?

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Is it me or is everything rubbish? says...
9:00pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Under35andout wrote:
GOOD ON NEXT , its rubbish shop in weymouth anyway its small has limited stock and prob wasnt even making a profit , you have to go up 2 flights of stairs to look at 1 rack of mens jeans at stupid prices , rather not thanks and shopping online na no thanks i wouldnt shop at next online either rather go m@m direct where i get much better quality for price , look at the councils efforts to make money is funny , 12 grand a year for a poxy shop where theres no trade when u can go into london or a big city for the same price , lol @ weymouth what a poo hole

I do not understand the last sentence. Like a lot of your comments on this thread, it makes no sense.
.
Also, the BBC documentary regarding Weymouth was shown 6 months ago- do try and keep up!

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dave.flowers says...
10:27pm Sun 26 Aug 12

Ive said it once, and I will say it again, Last shop to leave Weymouth, please turn off the lights.

Too many shops are feeling the pinch now, all we will get soon is charity shops, coffee shops and fast food restaurants, which I may add will close their doors as there will be no customers in the town to stop by.

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shaun blondz says...
7:36am Mon 27 Aug 12

I know I have been quoted in the original article and as a shopkeeper in Weymouth .
Can I ask were all the posters who claim all the shops in Weymouth are closing or suffering get their knowledge from ?
It is tough out there but it is the sae everywhere Dorchester is not the bed of roses you all seem to think it is.
Retailing throughout the country in traditional high streets is suffering due to many reasons as previously mentioned above.
But just because it is tough does not mean they will all close .
Every business has good times and bad times and the realigning of the national chains towards bigger out of town centres and online selling presents Weymouth with the chance to become the niche retiling town we need to be . But this is the transition period were landlords are slowly reacting and adjusting to the new smaller traders (some of course still have their snouts firmly embedded in the trough explaining the number of empty shops)
but of course a lot of the blame falls at the estate agents feet and as they realise the changes and advise their clients such the change will happen !!
I speak here as a trader and a
landlord.
We have some great independent retailers in this Town and we are not all Starving....

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monkeydog says...
10:39am Mon 27 Aug 12

ksmain wrote:

Under35andout wrote:
face it weymouth is dead i warn u shop keepers move out dont let the council win
Much as I think that WPBC are a bunch of numptys and there is no evidence that the Olympics that have done so much damage to trade this year (and for which there is no evidence that they help long term), this is a really stupid statement.

Who is going to pay the extra cost of the effect of lower income into the Government? The taxpayer, thats you and I buddy (unless you dont work of course).

Not surprised about Next - we use their online facility or include a visit to them if we go to Street. That store was always too small even compared to Dorchester.

I think that, if you speak to enough business owners, you will find that there has been a great deal of damage done to trade. There are many reasons which have been mentioned numerous times, most involving the council. Perhaps their most stupid idea was to warn the country that Weymouth would be extremely busy and delays would be experienced. This action alone was responsible for a loss of potential visitors and trade. It is too late for the town's guesthouses and hotels to recover and for many this will be the worst year of trading for some time.

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Taxpayinglocal says...
10:44am Mon 27 Aug 12

shaun blondz wrote:
I know I have been quoted in the original article and as a shopkeeper in Weymouth .
Can I ask were all the posters who claim all the shops in Weymouth are closing or suffering get their knowledge from ?
It is tough out there but it is the sae everywhere Dorchester is not the bed of roses you all seem to think it is.
Retailing throughout the country in traditional high streets is suffering due to many reasons as previously mentioned above.
But just because it is tough does not mean they will all close .
Every business has good times and bad times and the realigning of the national chains towards bigger out of town centres and online selling presents Weymouth with the chance to become the niche retiling town we need to be . But this is the transition period were landlords are slowly reacting and adjusting to the new smaller traders (some of course still have their snouts firmly embedded in the trough explaining the number of empty shops)
but of course a lot of the blame falls at the estate agents feet and as they realise the changes and advise their clients such the change will happen !!
I speak here as a trader and a
landlord.
We have some great independent retailers in this Town and we are not all Starving....

Weymouth store is closing down, Dorchesters is staying open, let me translate that for you, Weymouths store is NOT making money, Dorchesters stores IS MAKING MONEY

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shaun blondz says...
2:00pm Mon 27 Aug 12

Taxpayinglocal
Where did i doubt that ?
that wasnt my point and if you didnt just read only what you want to read you might of stood a slim chance of understanding that but judging by the inward thinking local view you keepspouting i dont hold out much hope
And done without shouting you see it is easy if you try.

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Taxpayinglocal says...
3:00pm Mon 27 Aug 12

shaun blondz wrote:
Taxpayinglocal
Where did i doubt that ?
that wasnt my point and if you didnt just read only what you want to read you might of stood a slim chance of understanding that but judging by the inward thinking local view you keepspouting i dont hold out much hope
And done without shouting you see it is easy if you try.

blah blah blah, usual crap on here in the comments, other people trying to outsmart other people with thier smart **** replies, same old crap different day!

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Merrittpr says...
3:37pm Mon 27 Aug 12

I am no expert on retail but I have read the facts on this article. It clearly states that Next have refused to comment on the shop closure, therefore, we do not know why it is closing? All the possible reasons have already been highlighted by previous bloggers, but the fact remains we do not know their reasons. Obviously something is not right, that is, they are not making enough profit to make it commercially viable any more.

Just as an aside to this article I was in Weymouth yesterday and went into one of the many shops that sells various types of gifts etc. The woman working there, who appeared to be the owner, said how lovely the town was during the Olympics, especially with the road closures for 2 weeks. She said there was a lovely atmosphere about the town. It just goes to show how individual we all are and how events effect different people in different ways.

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bootedsw says...
7:42pm Mon 27 Aug 12

Laadeeda wrote:
Look at it from Next's point of view in Weymouth. They have to pay high business rates.

Customers have to pay high parking fees.

On the other hand. Bournemouth, Castle Point. Large multi floored store carrying larger stock including furniture.

Large car park with no charges!

No contest really!

Maybe they will return at the New Look site when Sainsbury opens!!!!

I'm surprised castle point stores are still there with two supermarkets and a crumbling car park. I doubt they will be back to Weymouth, whilst they are still trying to sell luxury in a recession.

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oldbrock says...
9:19pm Mon 27 Aug 12

ohcetesrod wrote:
Too many of us shop online then we are part to blame for he demise of the high street.

dead right! you can get what you want cheaper and delivered, no contest really, we've all only got so much to spend and utilities are to rise 9% + food prices due to escalate etc etc

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niceonecyril says...
9:05am Tue 28 Aug 12

CoogarUK.com wrote:
Olympics legacy?

Idiot.

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monkeydog says...
10:37am Tue 28 Aug 12

niceonecyril wrote:

CoogarUK.com wrote:
Olympics legacy?
Idiot.

No need to ne rude. Given that this is not the first shop to close recently his is a brief but pertinent question.

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Jello Biafra says...
11:25am Tue 28 Aug 12

Daily Mail Clichè club

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Hedgehogspring says...
2:13pm Tue 28 Aug 12

Many months ago I made a comment here that when the Olympics ends, the local councillors will be stood on the edge of town waving the last remaining visitors home and congratulating themselves on being part of the council which hosted the olympics, while the town left behind slowly dies and tumbleweeds roll through the streets........
I see no reason yet to change that prediction.

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annotator1 says...
11:56am Wed 29 Aug 12

All very well to blame the business rate but the business rate is a reflection of the rental charged by the landlords and if the rent is high, so are the rates.
If the rents were reduced, the rates would automatically be reduced respectively.
A double saving for the retailer!

The On Line sales do not help but Next sell online anyway, as do Weymouth HiFi. I understand that if profits go down, the slippery slope to closure starts.

A fair rent will certainly help, not subsidies.

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AlwaysQuestion says...
3:30pm Wed 29 Aug 12

annotator1 wrote:
All very well to blame the business rate but the business rate is a reflection of the rental charged by the landlords and if the rent is high, so are the rates.
If the rents were reduced, the rates would automatically be reduced respectively.
A double saving for the retailer!

The On Line sales do not help but Next sell online anyway, as do Weymouth HiFi. I understand that if profits go down, the slippery slope to closure starts.

A fair rent will certainly help, not subsidies.

That is not quite correct. The Business Rate valuation of a property is assessed by the District Valuer. This is based on the estimated annual rental value. All Business Rates are currently based on the 2010 revaluation. These values were based on the rental value as at 1st April 2008 (http://www.2010.voa
.gov.uk/rli/static/H
elpPages/English/hel
p/help011-understand
ing_the_valuation_da
te.html).
The trading climate has changed dramatically since then but these valuations will remain until the next revaluation. Rates will not be affected by any rent reduction until then. Only the government can help by reducing the multiplyer instead of annually increasing it.
The local Council has very few options at its disposal to help matters. Car pariking charges is one but any reductions will require the difference to made up from elsewhere. However, in my opinion, every effort should be made to reduce them before matters deteriorate further.
It is easy to blame landlords for high rents but just like everybody else, they have to obtain the best return possible for their investment. And, like everybody else, if that return is not forthcoming, they will vote with their feet - i.e. sell. A flood of commercial property at knockdown prices on the market isn't going to help either.

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Is it me or is everything rubbish? says...
7:40pm Wed 29 Aug 12

AlwaysQuestion wrote:

annotator1 wrote:
All very well to blame the business rate but the business rate is a reflection of the rental charged by the landlords and if the rent is high, so are the rates.
If the rents were reduced, the rates would automatically be reduced respectively.
A double saving for the retailer!

The On Line sales do not help but Next sell online anyway, as do Weymouth HiFi. I understand that if profits go down, the slippery slope to closure starts.

A fair rent will certainly help, not subsidies.
That is not quite correct. The Business Rate valuation of a property is assessed by the District Valuer. This is based on the estimated annual rental value. All Business Rates are currently based on the 2010 revaluation. These values were based on the rental value as at 1st April 2008 (http://www.2010.voa

.gov.uk/rli/static/H

elpPages/English/hel

p/help011-understand

ing_the_valuation_da

te.html).
The trading climate has changed dramatically since then but these valuations will remain until the next revaluation. Rates will not be affected by any rent reduction until then. Only the government can help by reducing the multiplyer instead of annually increasing it.
The local Council has very few options at its disposal to help matters. Car pariking charges is one but any reductions will require the difference to made up from elsewhere. However, in my opinion, every effort should be made to reduce them before matters deteriorate further.
It is easy to blame landlords for high rents but just like everybody else, they have to obtain the best return possible for their investment. And, like everybody else, if that return is not forthcoming, they will vote with their feet - i.e. sell. A flood of commercial property at knockdown prices on the market isn't going to help either.

It is so refreshing to listen to someone that actually knows what they are talking about. Lots of people are critical of rent and business rates but do not know a thing about them.
.
Also, some commercial property is owned by investment firms that are linked to pensions and savings. If the rent was made lower, then the return on pensions and savings would be lower. It is a Catch 22 situation where there isn't really a winner (not unlike what is happening globally, where everyone owes money to everyone, yet everyone wants to be re-paid).
.
Car parking charges are a significant part of driving footfall to an area. Visit any out of town shopping centre on a weekend (such as Castlepoint) and it will almost certainly be very busy.
.
It offers free parking.
.
Whilst Weymouth could not afford to offer free parking, the current charges are excessive and whilst some may pay them once, they may not pay them again.

[quote][p][bold]AlwaysQuestion[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]annotator1[/bold] wrote: All very well to blame the business rate but the business rate is a reflection of the rental charged by the landlords and if the rent is high, so are the rates. If the rents were reduced, the rates would automatically be reduced respectively. A double saving for the retailer! The On Line sales do not help but Next sell online anyway, as do Weymouth HiFi. I understand that if profits go down, the slippery slope to closure starts. A fair rent will certainly help, not subsidies.[/p][/quote]That is not quite correct. The Business Rate valuation of a property is assessed by the District Valuer. This is based on the estimated annual rental value. All Business Rates are currently based on the 2010 revaluation. These values were based on the rental value as at 1st April 2008 (http://www.2010.voa .gov.uk/rli/static/H elpPages/English/hel p/help011-understand ing_the_valuation_da te.html). The trading climate has changed dramatically since then but these valuations will remain until the next revaluation. Rates will not be affected by any rent reduction until then. Only the government can help by reducing the multiplyer instead of annually increasing it. The local Council has very few options at its disposal to help matters. Car pariking charges is one but any reductions will require the difference to made up from elsewhere. However, in my opinion, every effort should be made to reduce them before matters deteriorate further. It is easy to blame landlords for high rents but just like everybody else, they have to obtain the best return possible for their investment. And, like everybody else, if that return is not forthcoming, they will vote with their feet - i.e. sell. A flood of commercial property at knockdown prices on the market isn't going to help either.[/p][/quote]It is so refreshing to listen to someone that actually knows what they are talking about. Lots of people are critical of rent and business rates but do not know a thing about them. . Also, some commercial property is owned by investment firms that are linked to pensions and savings. If the rent was made lower, then the return on pensions and savings would be lower. It is a Catch 22 situation where there isn't really a winner (not unlike what is happening globally, where everyone owes money to everyone, yet everyone wants to be re-paid). . Car parking charges are a significant part of driving footfall to an area. Visit any out of town shopping centre on a weekend (such as Castlepoint) and it will almost certainly be very busy. . It offers free parking. . Whilst Weymouth could not afford to offer free parking, the current charges are excessive and whilst some may pay them once, they may not pay them again. Is it me or is everything rubbish?

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Desk24 says...
6:34am Thu 30 Aug 12

M&S is still here, just save a little more and resist buying clothes you dont realy need.

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bradley red 1 says...
9:01pm Thu 30 Aug 12

Not surpised,there is no pleasure at all shopping in weymouth,poor choice of retailers,expensive parking etc,more will close no doubt! ONLINE SHOPPING for me and the family,more choice,better prices,easier all round this is the way the retail business is going town centres will be finished,charity shops,fast food,weatherspoons ,pound shops will prosper but most people will shop online mark my words!! and who can blame the great british public!

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Mrs Grumps says...
3:39pm Fri 31 Aug 12

My hubby and I used to pop into town, parking in B & Q or Jubilee retail park for a couple of hours. We also shopped there, so we didn't feel guilty about it. We sometimes parked there and popped down the beach for an hour, doing our shopping, often at Aldi, before we went home. We had no desire to park twice and this was convenient. Now there are dire warning notices up saying that if we park there, we can't leave the premises. This has meant that we are not going into Weymouth as often and so, in protest, I refuse to shop anywhere in that retail area now. It was a perk for locals that visitors often did not realise ( I did ask some) and B & Q car park was never full, even on carnival days so we were never stopping any other customers from parking.

It was a long way to walk to the centre but it was useful and kept us fit. In summer the centre car parks were often too full, anyway. The park and ride is too expensive, as has been pointed out and it is cheaper to go to Dorchester.

The cost of parking is really important in bringing people in. If there are cheaper choices, they will be made.

We have shopped more in Dorchester lately because, quite frankly, there are nicer shops there. There is a lot of tat in Weymouth, some seaside tat is okay but we could do with some more arty or quality souvenir shops that draw people in to mooch in the town. I have spoken to regular visitors who have been disappointed to find Brewers Quay gone. We need something of even better quality to improve the town and make it really attractive again.

Also, moving the information centre back into the town or on the Esplanade again would be a very good thing.

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Top retailer quits Weymouth town centre (From Thisisdorset)

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