Havant traders and shoppers call for more 'niche' shops as high street reopens to an uncertain future

AS NON-ESSENTIAL shops reopen after the national lockdown, traders and shoppers in Havant are calling for more ‘niche’ businesses if the high street is to survive.
Shoppers, like Rebecca Warwick , have called for more independent shops to help Havant's high street survive after lockdown. Picture: Chris MoorhouseShoppers, like Rebecca Warwick , have called for more independent shops to help Havant's high street survive after lockdown. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Shoppers, like Rebecca Warwick , have called for more independent shops to help Havant's high street survive after lockdown. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

It comes as non-essential shops reopen after being shut for four weeks to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The virus and measures to control it has proved to be a shock to high street firms across the country – and now shoppers and business owners in Havant feel change is needed.

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Chris Hitching of CJ Meats in West Street has been serving food throughout the lockdown and has seen no change in trade as it comes to an end.

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The 56-year-old said: ‘My reflection on the high street is that Covid-19 has just brought forward a lot of closures by five years. The way the high street will survive is by having more niche, chic businesses.

People love the concept of using independent shops – but they don’t want to pay too much.

‘You cannot build a business by selling treats.

‘We have been here for 25 years and have a hardcore, loyal customer base. We can afford to be flexible.’

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Shopper Rebecca Warwick said: ‘I haven’t been here for a long time – at least a couple of years. I tried to do a lot online shopping.

‘I did make a conscious decision to get a cup of tea from Boswells Cafe rather than Costa – it feels more like an independent.

Another shopper said the high street had a future if it had help: ‘I like to go shopping and have a look around – but the shops need more help. But will they get it? That’s not so clear.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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