The Guernsey Retail Group (GRG) says it is “saddened” by the recently announced closures of two local shops, saying they reflect the challenges facing some local retailers.
Guernsey’s only dedicated independent bookshop, Writer’s Block, announced it would close by Christmas, last week, while sake bar and shop Tokkuri said it planned to close its physical premises next month.
Writer’s Block owner Kelvin Whelan said rising costs and the planned introduction of GST were behind his decision to close.
GRG Director Malcolm Woodhams said the closures reinforced the need to “strengthen and grow its economy, support local enterprise, and encourage retention of more spending on island”.
He said: “We have consistently been calling for practical measures, including incentives for business investment, improvements to town centres, productivity initiatives, and policies that help local businesses remain competitive.
“If Guernsey wants stronger public finances in the future, it must also focus on strengthening the economy that supports them.”
Opportunities and challenges
The GRG said it had contacted both businesses and hoped to meet with their owners to better understand the challenges they had faced and offer support where possible.
The group is also encouraging retailers to complete its latest industry survey before the States resumes its debate on tax reform in September, to help it get an “accurate picture of the opportunities and challenges” facing Guernsey’s retailers.
However, it said the recent closures should be balanced against new investment in Town, pointing to the recent arrivals of Pragnell on Smith Street and Totes & Notes on the High Street.
Its new Retail Liaison Officer, Laura Clayton, said she was visiting retailers over the summer to hear about both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
