Havant traders and shoppers call for more 'niche' shops as high street reopens to an uncertain future
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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Hide AdChris 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.
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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Hide AdShopper 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.’