Number of empty shops soars in Old Town
[The Scotsman - 28 May 2009]
- full article here
New research by the Evening News has revealed that 29 shops and bars are vacant in the area between the Royal Mile and the Cowgate and Grassmarket.
Even those areas well-regarded by shoppers for their unique independent stores have started to show the first signs of the impact of recession.
A prime spot on the Grassmarket has been empty for more than a year since luxury menswear shop Peter Johnston relocated to Queen Street, while Pyramid Imaging also departed the Grassmarket for Jane Street, leaving behind a note proclaiming that it had found "free parking and easy access at last" – a clear swipe at the stream of roadworks and access issues that have hit traders in the area.
Nearby at Victoria Street, another two independents have left. Wooden toy specialist Pinocchio, a finalist in the Toy Retailers Association's independent toy retailer of the year awards in 2007, lies empty, while further up the hill Pine and Old Lace, an antiques business specialising in dressers, kitchen furniture, bedding and tablecloths that had been on the street for 30 years, has had to call it a day.
Ian Clarkson, who has been senior partner at Clarksons` of Edinburgh Jewellers on Victoria Street since it opened 51 years ago, said: "The problem around here is the constant disruption. First it was the Grassmarket revamp, then the demolition of the old Lothian (Regional Council) building, then the Khushis fire. Then when you do get a good Saturday trading there's some event on; a march, a race or the rugby.
Comment
Since this article appeared, even more shops have dissappeared from the area. Ocean (jewellery) moved to Lothian Road, the skateboarding shop has moved to the Canongate - to name just two.
The latest news is that Gerry's shop in Grassmarket is to close at the end of July! The shop has operated fro over thirty years and was a local institution which will be missed.