Gloom as another shop in difficulties (From Cotswold Journal)

Gloom as another shop in difficulties

2:00pm Friday 25th January 2013 in News

THERE are fears that another Evesham shop may close less than a week after the town said farewell to its branch of Jessops.

The future of Blockbuster, the DVD and video game rental giant which has a store in Evesham’s High Street, is uncertain after being placed in administration.

At the time of going to press, the Evesham store is safe and has not been named by administrators Deloitte as one of 160 closing over the coming weeks.

Lee Manning, joint administrator, said: “The store closure plan is an inevitable consequence of having to restructure the company to a profitable core capable of being sold.”

Despite facing another empty shop, Gerry O’Donnell, town councillor and chairman of the Evesham Market Town Partnership (EMTP), said the picture was not as bleak as it may seem.

“It is obviously disappointing these two national chains are running into trouble,”

said Mr O’Donnell. “As we have branches in the town it may mean we have a couple of empty units.

“We are hopeful we will fill many units. There are more than 200 retail businesses in Evesham and we have an awful lot going for the town.

There is a false impression created because people see the high-profile units empty but don’t see the less visible units doing really well. We can’t do anything about the decisions to close national businesses but we will pick up the pieces. Many smaller businesses may be looking for the opportunity to move into premier sites.”

Tony Rowland, chairman of Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association and partner at an Evesham estate agent, said: “Trading conditions at the moment are extremely tough for retailers.

However, Timothy Lea and Griffiths are still letting retail shops in the centre of Evesham. It is essential the public continues to support the town.”

The EMTP offers support to businesses. Contact Shawn Riley on 01386 565518.