8 June 2009, 09/118
Vacant shops being snapped up in Ormskirk
Empty retail units are being snapped up in Ormskirk despite the
recession!
West Lancashire is defying the economic downturn with news that
a number of vacant shops in the town centre are to be taken over by
big-name companies.
Agents tell us that a large national retailer, who has over 500
stores across the country, will shortly be moving into the former
Woolworths premises on Aughton Street. In addition, it is hoped the
former Ponden Mill store will also be opening its doors again over
the next couple of months as discussions with potential occupiers
are ongoing. While in Moor Street, the unit previously occupied by
Motorword is currently under offer and will be trading under
another name in the near future.
This is excellent news because while other town centres around
the country are in a state of decline, the business activity in
Ormskirk is picking up.
Councillor Adrian Owens, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and
Estates, said: "The Borough Council has been working tirelessly to
support local businesses during the national economic downturn and
have been focusing on preventing shops from closing and encouraging
new businesses into vacant units. Our worry was that the empty
units in Ormskirk would deter shoppers and investors from doing
business here. So we are delighted that we have bucked the trend.
This news is a positive sign for the future and hopefully other
retailers will follow suit and open up in the town centre."
Also, in an effort to improve the
appearance of empty units during periods of vacancies, the Council
is working with landlords to install attractive vinyl designs in
the vacant shop windows. This will hopefully attract the attention
of potential retailers into the shops. Similar schemes have worked
successfully in other towns, including the neighbouring Chorley
Town Centre.
David Moss, of David Moss Jewellers based on Moorgate, said:
"Our business has been established in Ormskirk Town Centre now for
over 12 years and we believe it's a great place to trade. We
initially looked around different Merseyside and Lancashire towns
and decided Ormskirk had the right unique feel we where looking
for, and haven't regretted it since. We have built up an excellent
loyal client base, plus we benefit from additional visitors from
outside the area, especially on market days. Our turnover is up
from this time last year, so fortunately trade does not seem to
have been affected by the 'credit crunch'. I would say that being
located in Ormskirk has definitely contributed to the continuing
success of our business."
Please note: for reasons of commercial confidentiality, the
Council is not able at this stage to give any information about the
identities of the retail companies involved.
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