Malvern’s independent business owners said that the long weekend was one of their busiest in recent months
The Easter bank holiday proved to be a fruitful one for the town’s traders, but it appears there are issues bubbling under the surface.
Malvern’s (UK) independent business owners, by-and-large, said that the long weekend was one of their busiest in recent months.
However, it appears there are several issues still causing concern for many high street shops.
Chris Heard, owner of Carnival Records on Church Street, believes the town’s parking facilities is holding it back from its true potential.
He said: Generally, the footfall in Malvern has slowed significantly over the past few years. This has been exacerbated by Covid, but it was slowing down anyway.
The biggest obstacle, which is a perennial problem, is the cost and lack of availability of parking in town, he said.
Despite this, the store experienced its best day ever on Saturday, April 23, but Heard believes this may be due to Record Store Day and the shop’s tenth anniversary.
Issues of parking are echoed by the owner of Forget Me Not, Lin Tombs, who recently called it a day after 27 years.
She said: I have just retired from my shop on Belle Vue Terrace, but I was trading during Easter and I must admit I was not particularly busy although Saturday wasn’t too bad.
I genuinely think lockdown cannot be blamed. The amount of parking taken up by lorries is definitely having an impact on trade, she said.
Despite these concerns the Easter Bank Holiday was a success for many of Malvern’s independent traders.
Owner of Solo Boutique, Jill Campbell, said: From the beginning of this year my business has steadily increased, and I think it safe to say the fallout from the Covid restrictions is in the past.
Campbell said: It’s been brilliant to see how both local residents and visitors are supporting the Shop Local movement and Solo, along with our neighbouring businesses, is having a fantastic time looking after so many lovely customers.
