Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, has expressed its deep concern following news that Trago Mills has entered into consultation with staff over the future of its Falmouth store, which has served the community since the mid-1970s.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Another day and another sad loss to the high street. I was recently in Falmouth and visited this shop, thinking how great it was that it was still trading. Unfortunately it seems that it now looks like closing. This is a blow for Falmouth and the wider region."
Mr Goodacre added: "It is also another sign that the high street business model for smaller retailers is under severe pressure and the government is standing by and allowing high streets to decline. Pre-election we were promised a fairer rates system and lower rates - since taking power rates have more than doubled for independents, and more increases set to be announced. The costs of running a business keep increasing, whilst consumer spending remains flat - a toxic mix for any business."
The landmark store on Arwenack Street has been unable to stem six-figure deficits despite efforts to streamline operations. Chairman Bruce Robertson cited rising costs including energy tariffs, employer contributions, and wage increases, all whilst facing flat sales.
Bira, which works with 6,000 independent retailers across Britain, says the Falmouth closure is part of a wider pattern of high street decline. In recent years, Falmouth has seen the departure of many independent and national businesses including M&S, Poundland, Wilko and, more recently, Anns Cottage.
Mr Goodacre questioned government priorities, and added: "How many more business failures are needed before the Chancellor realises that business rates for smaller business must be scrapped, that the low value import duty free loophole must be closed and energy costs must be reduced for all businesses and not just the so-called super users?"
He said: "Retail does not figure in the current industrial strategy. The small business strategy had little recognition of indie retail, and the Small Business Minister does not even have retail in his remit. Indie retailers feel that they are being cut adrift and left to manage decline. That is unacceptable."
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Another day and another sad loss to the high street. I was recently in Falmouth and visited this shop, thinking how great it was that it was still trading. Unfortunately it seems that it now looks like closing. This is a blow for Falmouth and the wider region."
Mr Goodacre added: "It is also another sign that the high street business model for smaller retailers is under severe pressure and the government is standing by and allowing high streets to decline. Pre-election we were promised a fairer rates system and lower rates - since taking power rates have more than doubled for independents, and more increases set to be announced. The costs of running a business keep increasing, whilst consumer spending remains flat - a toxic mix for any business."
The landmark store on Arwenack Street has been unable to stem six-figure deficits despite efforts to streamline operations. Chairman Bruce Robertson cited rising costs including energy tariffs, employer contributions, and wage increases, all whilst facing flat sales.
Bira, which works with 6,000 independent retailers across Britain, says the Falmouth closure is part of a wider pattern of high street decline. In recent years, Falmouth has seen the departure of many independent and national businesses including M&S, Poundland, Wilko and, more recently, Anns Cottage.
Mr Goodacre questioned government priorities, and added: "How many more business failures are needed before the Chancellor realises that business rates for smaller business must be scrapped, that the low value import duty free loophole must be closed and energy costs must be reduced for all businesses and not just the so-called super users?"
He said: "Retail does not figure in the current industrial strategy. The small business strategy had little recognition of indie retail, and the Small Business Minister does not even have retail in his remit. Indie retailers feel that they are being cut adrift and left to manage decline. That is unacceptable."
