Hopes of new opportunities following shops closures blow

Closing down sales are appearing all along the high street in Skegness - but along with the sadness that people are losing their jobs before Christmas comes hope of an new opportunities emerging.
Ponden Home in Lumley Road, Skegness.Ponden Home in Lumley Road, Skegness.
Ponden Home in Lumley Road, Skegness.

Ponden Home, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Peacocks stores,in Lumley Road - all part of national chains owned by billionaire Philip Day - are the latest businesses making tough decisions due to the impact of Covid-19.

This follows the department store Beales, which closed earlier than expected at the start of lockdown.

Fashion giant M &Co, which went into administration in August, is still trading but with a closing down sale.

Peacocks in Lumley Road, Skegness.Peacocks in Lumley Road, Skegness.
Peacocks in Lumley Road, Skegness.

Steve Simpson, Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group chief executive: commented on the decision which will affect hundreds of members of staff across the country: "Like every retailer, we have found the past seven months extremely difficult," he said.

"Traditionally, EWM has always traded with strong cash reserves and a conservative balance sheet but these stories and the reduction in credit insurance – against the backdrop of the initial lockdown, current local lockdowns, and the second wave of Covid-19 reducing footfall have made normal trading impossible.

"As directors we have a duty to the business, our staff, our customers and our creditors to find the very best solution in this brutal environment.

"Through this process, I hope and believe we will be able to secure the best future for our businesses, but there will inevitably be significant cuts and closures as we work our way through this."

Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Lumley Road, Skegness.Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Lumley Road, Skegness.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Lumley Road, Skegness.

The news was received with sadness locally - but with hope that opportunities now emerging will help businesses thrive in the future, creating new jobs.

Paul Dixon, chairman of the Skegness Area Business Chamber, said: "I am saddened to see the loss of these shops which have contributed so much over many years.

"Whilst their demise is a sad reflection of the times, I prefer to look positively to the future.

"Only a few months ago we thought the closure of Beales was such a negative but already the exciting plans for the site have given us cause for optimism.

M&Co  in Lumley Road, Skegness.M&Co  in Lumley Road, Skegness.
M&Co in Lumley Road, Skegness.

"That together with the boost from the staycation has given us an unexpected uplift that we hope to see extend into 2021.

"So, for now, we are not downbeat but optimistic that new opportunities will emerge, and confident that we have the key elements to create a vital and dynamic retail offer.

"Chamber is always here to give all the support necessary to see our Town Centre regenerated."

Steve Andrews, manager of the Hildreds Centre, said the town had already seen the impact of the staycation.

Beales in Lumley Road, Skegness.Beales in Lumley Road, Skegness.
Beales in Lumley Road, Skegness.

"Skegness itself has been quite buoyant trade wise," he said. "Footfall is currently at around -18% year on year but the national average is -38%, so as a town we are coping better than most.

"It is a fine art balancing how you encourage people to visit but keep everyone safe while doing so.

"Many shops still have number restrictions on their doors only allowing a certain amount of people in store at a time which has obviously had a negative effect upon their trade but a positive experience for the customer by allowing them more space and freedom to shop in a safer environment.

"Every business in Skegness is working hard to ensure that they are complying with the Government regulations but at the same time keeping their business afloat in order to support both their staff and the local community.

"All we ask is for customers to carry on working with us to help us provide a safe and comfortable experience by keeping their distance from other customers, using the hand sanitiser on display and where possible using a face covering- mask or visor unless exempt or unable to do so.

"That way we can carry on operating to be best of our ability and provide the best and safest experience for our customers in return."

More shops are having closing down sales in Lumley Road, Skegness.More shops are having closing down sales in Lumley Road, Skegness.
More shops are having closing down sales in Lumley Road, Skegness.

Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy, said it was incredibly sad to hear staff were losing their jobs so close to Christmas.

"It is incredibly difficult for the retail industry at this time, especially for clothes shops," he said.

"There is little we can do when job losses involve national chains but the high street has to change if it is to survive - more cafes and quality independents, because people will travel to niche shops.

"There is good news regarding premises as the new town fund is looking at bringing buildings back up to standard, but landlords need to adjust rents to help businesses too."

Related topics: