Crewe shop owner forced to quit town due to 'insanely high' rent rates
By Ryan Parker
2nd Oct 2022 | Local News
A Crewe shop owner says he has been forced to quit the town due to 'insanely high' rent rates - believing Cheshire East will become a collection of ghost towns if nothing is done.
Evolutionary Exotics, Edleston Road - officially opened in Crewe back in July 2021.
The pet store sells a variety of stock for exotic animals, from live food and frozen food to equipment - including: Heating, lighting, substrates and decor.
"The area is dying off and no small businesses are staying here due to high overheads," said shop owner, Mr Josh Flood (September 29).
During the past 14 months, Evolutionary Exotics has been selling invertebrates, including: Tarantulas, scorpions, mantis, millipedes, cockroaches and African land snails.
The business has been struggling to cope with increasing costs - with rent rates the biggest factor.
Mr Flood told Nub News: "We are trying to relocate due to the insanely high rent rates and the rising costs in the area. Cheshire East will have no shops left next.
"Support is few and far between, there's no support from the council or the local area.
"I've spoken to three businesses on my road all looking to move due to stupidly high costs."
The 28-year-old said he wants to move his business out of Crewe and Cheshire East as whole.
Mr Flood said: "I want to relocate as far away from Cheshire East as possible. The rates and overheads are far too high in the area. I am looking Staffordshire way.
"Cheshire East in general really need to do something as it will have ghost towns next."
The Crewe shop owner recently studied at Reaseheath College, Nantwich.
Mr Flood achieved a level two diploma in Animal Care and a level three extended diploma in Animal Management.
He previously worked in Reaseheath Zoo, picking up a wealth of experience at other pet shops in Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester.
At the start of September, Mr Flood first notified customers of potentially having to relocate the store.
The store made an announcement on social media, saying: "It's very hard having to say this but unfortunately due to the current climate and circumstances, we will be looking to potentially close up and relocate before the end of October.
"We are so sorry to be leaving but needs must and if we can't see any way of staying afloat in the coming week - it sadly has to happen.
"We have loved being a part of the reptile community in the area and will always be available for our valued customers."
Evolutionary Exotics has been waiting on its AAL (Animal Activities Licensing), to sell animals like bearded dragons, chameleons, snakes, tortoise and toads since it opened.
The store added: "Don't hesitate to get in contact for any advice or animal care in the future.
"We will keep everyone informed as to what will be happening and let everyone know once we know exactly what is happening."
Evolutionary Exotics are open 10:30am to 6pm (Tuesday to Saturday) and 10:30am to 4:00pm (Sunday).
The business achieves a rating of 5/5 on Facebook. The page can be viewed here.
READ MORE: Council gives go ahead for new wedding venue near Crewe.
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