Louth is bucking national retail trends
Louth, Lincolnshire’s foremost market town, is bucking national trends and attracting new high-quality retail businesses to the town centre.
“One in three shops lie empty on some British high streets" said the Yorkshire Post
earlier this month. This follows news in The Daily Telegraph that 26,500 retailers would be forced to close by 2015.
However, Louth is resisting the trend with three new businesses opening their doors this month alone.
A key reason for this is that independent business owners are recognising Louth’s competitive rental costs. They also appreciate the town’s appeal as an attractive shopping destination, its location in an area of natural beauty and its importance as a food hub.
But it’s not just the independents that are coming to Louth. The town is striking a healthy balance between a “home” and “clone” town by attracting major national names to Eastgate, such as Clarks Shoes, which is due to reopen the former Forbes Outfitters next month, followed by Coopland’s bakery opening one of their popular outlets.
To add to what is already a high-quality mix of independent retailers, two new businesses have opened this month.
Cycle Mode, a new high-quality cyclist shop, has opened on Pawnshop Passage, the quaint old passageway housing gems such as Louth’s only chocolatier. Selling a wide range of bikes and cycle wear, owner Guy Kemp was enthusiastic about deciding to set up his retail business in the town:
“Louth seemed a sensible choice for a cycle shop. I see a clear market gap in a town that is retaining a loyal shopper base and enjoying a large catchment area with all its nearby villages and farms. Its many attractions, including the Wolds, its frequent street markets and its rich architectural and agricultural heritage keep visitors returning time and time again for a rewarding day out. It’s a brilliant centre for cyclists too.”
Another shop adding to the mix is Aswell Street’s Serendipity. Taking a step back in time in a modern setting, shoppers here can expect to find high-quality pieces of vintage furniture, home wares and gifts - a formula already proven popular in the shops on Eastgate.
The Louth Town Partnership aims to further encourage the influx of new business owners to the town. Town Manager, Alison Hall, said: “There’s no hiding from the fact that tough economic conditions are challenging all businesses and particularly the smaller independents. To have new businesses opening in Louth while keeping our independent shops open is hugely exciting”.
“We wish all new businesses to the town the very best of success. We urge shoppers who have perhaps not visited Louth for some time to come and see how it continues to offer a complete and enjoyable shopping experience.”
Footnote: Louth Town Partnership and Business Link will hold a free workshop aimed at independent businesses on Tuesday September 27 at the Brackenborough Hotel, to book please contact Alison Hall on 07917628149.
