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Pop-up shops preferable to empty premises
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From Julie Andrews-Ponter.
MAY I extend my thanks to everyone, including His Excellency Sir John and Lady McColl, who kindly supported my recent pop-up shop, forgetmenot, supporting Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, raising both awareness and funds for local people and families.
I was overwhelmed with donations, kindness, support and compliments on the high standard.
forgetmenot was, as pop-up suggests, a short-term non-profit-making enterprise utilising empty retail premises in Halkett Place.
I made inquiries for other locations as I had hoped for a longer tenure. Landlords and agents gave me short shrift at the idea of a pop-up, even for a charity and yet there are sadly ten or more empty premises, which blight town, particularly in King Street.
My irritation over empty shop syndrome is shared by many local artisans and crafts-people who discussed with me their products worthy of the high street but frustration at affordability of high rents.
As a member of the Women’s Institute, I was delighted that delegates at the 1 June AGM passed a National Federation Board Resolution on the ‘decline of our high streets and town centres’ with an 87% majority.
I passionately support the resolution that notes the decline of high streets, the effect on communities and calls to end this. While landlords seek high rents and reliefs are available on empty premises, with parking issues and online retail competition, Jersey will be badly affected if nothing is done.
A co-operative of Island artisans or small manufacturers might share a property and the costs after the trial pop-up period if an incentive were offered to landlords to open premises up, not incentives to keep them empty. For unemployed young people a business project or entrepreneurial shared venture could only be of value to their future.
I believe your readers will agree that we must get local entrepreneurs and energetic skilled folks on the high street without the crippling rents, rates and utilities thwarting new enterprises.
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