Conversation on Sidmouth Herald Streetlife section:
Chains to revitalise Sidmouth?
Q: Interesting letters in yesterday’s Herald – especially the one concerning Chain shops. Some very valid points raised – a couple of which I find myself aligned to.
A: High street chains are not the panacea. Be careful what you wish for. Suggest you visit the New Economics Foundation website. They have previously produced reports on clone towns (i.e. those which are full of chain stores). Exeter is a prime example.
http://www.neweconomics.org/publications/entry/reimagining-the-high-street
“The towns most dependent on the biggest chains and out of town stores have proven to be most vulnerable to the economic crisis.”
Another A: Big national chains can’t be good, not here and pretty much nowhere else. I can also see no urgent need to revitalise Sidmouth, the town is much more vital than many others. Independents are the way to go and thankfully, we have them.
I asked yesterday in the Rainbow store in Honiton when they’d close. They are a 5 shops ‘chain’ as far as I know and currently advertise a closing down sale. Apparently, they found out yesterday that they don’t have to close at all. Good.
[Note from EDW: Rainbow has “Store Closing” sales at other branches in East Devon where April 2015 has been given as the final closing date:
East Devon Watch 