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Group: Administrators
Last Login: 15 September 2008
Posts: 81, Visits: 309 |
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Group: Administrators
Last Login: 24 September 2008
Posts: 127, Visits: 118 |
| | Now thats a fair old chunk of real estate going under the hammer !! |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 28 April 2008
Posts: 3, Visits: 9 |
| | I think the closure of Gabriel’s had more to do with the loss of parking behind the old market, The short sighted decision by the then BOA to destroy the market and turn it into some bland awful UK shopping mall will rank alongside the stupidity of the demolition of the old prison and the former Odeon cinema. There are vibrant markets all over Europe and unfortunately looking after the building and keeping the pitches at affordable levels was in the too hard tray of Roger Berry and his board and they convinced a gullible States to effectively sell it off removing another part of Guernsey life and destroying the fine balance that made other businesses in the area viable forever. There are many people who have said that the half hour parking available in that area allowed them enough time to nip into Gabriel’s to pick up a shirt or whatever. although I would agree that Internet shopping hasn't helped but I would join all those who will mourn the loss of this chain of shops for the unique service and care that was shown to every customer who entered any one of those stores.It will be interesting to see how quickly Fountain Street will recover once the issue of the properties has been resolved. |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 05 August 2008
Posts: 33, Visits: 39 |
| I don't completely disagree with Deputy Jones' comments but I'm wondering if the closure of Gabriels has less to do with parking but more to do with an end of a retailing dynasty. Sometimes it's just easier to sell your properties than sell boiler suits and jeans? Not wanting to discuss the particulars of the Gabriels family decision this does open up a greater discussion on the viability of town and its independent retailers and the rise of the multiples.
There appear to be two trains of thought. One is 'that's businesss' the second being 'what can we do to retain the special nature of St Peter Port's shopping experience'.
Couple of off the cuff comments for the sake of debate:
- Zoning the Arcade and Mill Street for some form of protection from the multiples
- Penalising, via business rates, retail outlets that are vacant for a period of time
- Rent control
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