What Recession?
In this era of economical doom and gloom, the outlook for small businesses seems overcast and wrought with disaster. A stroll through any number of British towns and cities paints a bleak picture of windows boarded up and closing down sales littering stores across the high street. However, there is one Sussex town doing its best to dispel this pessimistic outlook, and that is our very own East Grinstead.
During the past few months, East Grinstead High Street has seen some new faces appear on its horizon. In fact, the introduction of new businesses to the town centre has been so successful that compared to a national average of 14.3%, East Grinstead has just 6.8% of shops vacant in the area. This is a significant decrease from 8.4% at the start of October, and a sign for greater things to come to this bustling town.
Bob Mainstone, chairman of the town council’s Business Support Group, has revealed the results of a survey showing that only 17 out of 250 units in the centre of East Grinstead remain empty – a clear rejection of the recession depression. Some of the shops that have recently opened in the town centre are the Olive Grove Bistro Café, Wear It Again Sam, The Master Fryer, Casablanca Café, and Market Square.
Opening an independent shop is a brave move in times such as these when many would label it a risky option, but with the success shown by East Grinstead’s newest residents, the town is sure to prosper when our financial situation improves. As consumers are currently taking more time and care over their spending habits to make sure they get the best value – it is the stores offering the best value for money that will prosper in difficult times.
East Grinstead has also welcomed some larger stores such as KFC, The Works, and Poundstretcher, an indication that the town is doing its best to beat the recession. However, it is the local businesses in our towns who require the greatest support from their customers, and that is why thebestofeastgrinstead is backing ‘Buy Local’. Wherever you find a ‘Buy Local’ sticker in a shop window, rest assured that this business offers the best in local produce and service - and without them, East Grinstead would not be the place it is today.
If you hold a special place in your heart for one particular local business (or five!), then make sure you make the most of our 14 Days of Love campaign. Write a testimonial about any shop, salon, or solicitor who has gone out of their way to satisfy your needs, and you could win a fantastic prize in the process!