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 Has Bridport lost its heart? The word in town is that most retailers have seen a sudden drop in trade and takings.
One wonders why, but when I moved here, there was Humphreys’ right in the centre of town which was well known as a meeting point for families as it had something for everyone. Men and women alike. Nothing has replaced the ‘store’ and a golden opportunity was certainly missed by some entrepreneur. Certainly, we have a good selection of small independent traders but Bridport now lacks something to attract people to come and as the Council seems to be anti ‘Big Name’ retailer I cannot see a sudden reversal in the trend. Even the tourists have searched in vain for the ‘store’ in the town centre and are amazed we have nothing ‘interesting under one roof’, of course there is Morrisons Super? Store, but that has only drained customers from the small retailers who in many cases are struggling to survive. What is the answer? Of course, we have the market, but I wonder why some of them bother to come – and certainly a lot don’t if the weather is even slightly inclement. The local shops know the town doesn’t get busy on Saturday until about 11.00-ish so why do some many traders start packing up at 1p.m. and start blocking the pavement with iron bars, vans, and boxes just as trade starts to get going.. It’s not all of them, of course, as some stay until the shops close (and I hope they do well!)Surely the Council should put a time stipulation on the traders to stay until at least 4p.m. on a Saturday, just to keep the sales momentum flowing! Or is that too easy? Even some coffee shops close early – they obviously do not need the cash! Incidentally, I have been a retailer – shop owner – and worked market stalls so I have more than a little idea about these things…but now prefer to support the Greyhound as a customer. Let us hope that some of our town councillors read this article to spur them back to life – if that is possible. So, if anyone out there can give some suggestions, including the shop keepers and market traders, perhaps we can get come up with a solution to put the money back in the tills…
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