OPINION: 'We have more than enough population to support a Primark' - Crewe business owner frustrated as town centre shop closes down

By Ryan Parker

13th Jul 2022 | Opinion

Owner of Decor Debonair, Gaynor Birkenhead, has slammed Crewe town centre's current situation (Ryan Parker).
Owner of Decor Debonair, Gaynor Birkenhead, has slammed Crewe town centre's current situation (Ryan Parker).

The owner of a Crewe business has given their opinion on the town centre as they prepare to close down - just eight months after opening.

Mrs Gaynor Birkenhead, Owner of Decor Debonair, Queensway, announced her 'blingy' furniture store was closing down on Tuesday (July 5).

The store sells a huge range of flashy items, including mirrors, pictures, ornaments, kitchen items, flowers and gifts.

Decor Debonair, Queensway is closing after just eight months of trade in Crewe town centre (Crewe Nub News).

Here's what the former Sadie's Cafe and Coffee Bar owner told Crewe Nub News today (July 13):

"There's just not enough passing trade. Brands direct has closed down on Queensway and JD Sports is going to the Grand Junction Retail Park in the next couple of weeks.

"The hair and beauty business next door still hasn't opened. The landlord said he's in no rush so there's going to be even less footfall.

"The council have started building the bus station, but there then moving on to building the multi-storey car park.

A hair and beauty business was expected to closely follow Decor Debonair into the split Queenswway unit. It still hasn't opened (Ryan Parker).

"We have car parks. It would have been better to get the retail side done first, but on that note, we have enough empty shops at the moment.

"I've mentioned to a couple of councillors, that we have enough food in Crewe, they've turned the market hall into a food court with the odd shop.

"They've turned the outdoor market into an entertainment area with a bar, no stalls. The area in front of my shop is to be more food with shops.

"We're getting another cinema. The one we have isn't getting used enough, so will they go out of business?

The demolition of the former bus depot is almost complete. A temporary bus station will be constructed (Ryan Parker).

"We're getting a bowling alley. The one we had closed down. It feels like the council are turning the town centre into a glorified entertainment venue, so what happens to what shops that are left?

"The town centre is dying. I mentioned to the councillors that it would have been a better idea for the area in front of my shop to be rejigged and have one large area to get a Primark in the town centre.

"We have more than enough population in and around the outlying areas to support a Primark and that in turn would bring a huge amount of footfall into the town.

"People would start to occupy the empty shops we already have.

"People have stopped coming into Crewe as there's not the variety of shops to have a full shopping experience and If something isn't done soon, the town will be past recovery.

Some of the items on sale inside Decor Debonair, Queensway. The store has only lasted eight months (Crewe Nub News).

"With the plans that the council have in place at the moment, Crewe will be more of an entertainment venue rather than a shopping centre."

Decor Debonair is currently running a closing down sale at its Crewe town centre store.

READ MORE: One in seven young people out of education, employment and apprenticeships in North West.

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