Call for residents to support smaller retailers in Sutton town centre

A call has gone out for residents to support Sutton in Ashfield smaller retailers facing an “uncertain future.”
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An Independent Councillor in Sutton is calling for residents to ‘shop small,’ as ‘non-essential’ high street stores reopened this week.

Councillor Dave Hennigan, who represents Sutton town centre on Ashfield District Council, made the plea to support smaller retailers after they spoke of an “uncertain future.”

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According to Cllr Hennigan, Ray O’Connor has run ‘The Shop,’ on Outram Street, Sutton for eight years. He has also been a spokesperson for small businesses in Sutton.

Ray O’Connor from The Shop with David Robinson, a Community Protection Officer from Ashfield District Council  - Picture David HenniganRay O’Connor from The Shop with David Robinson, a Community Protection Officer from Ashfield District Council  - Picture David Hennigan
Ray O’Connor from The Shop with David Robinson, a Community Protection Officer from Ashfield District Council - Picture David Hennigan

Ray said: “Trading conditions were bad before but I fear that after lockdown they will be even worse. Smaller retailers are the backbone of our town centres, especially in places like Sutton. I can’t see my business lasting past September.

“The £10,000 retail grant was welcome but when you have high rates and bills, it only goes so far. I know that smaller retailers in places like Sutton town centre and Outram Street are facing similar challenges.

“Trading conditions are as tough as I can ever remember. We are concerned that many small businesses are teetering on the edge of closure as we approach the next rental quarter. I back the campaign to ‘shop small’ and keep it local.”

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Fiona Asbury helps run ‘Sewilicious Fabrics’ on Outram Street, with owner Jenny Tindall.

Jenny Tindall, Councillor Dave Hennigan and Fiona Asbury at Sewilicious Fabrics. - Picture: David HenniganJenny Tindall, Councillor Dave Hennigan and Fiona Asbury at Sewilicious Fabrics. - Picture: David Hennigan
Jenny Tindall, Councillor Dave Hennigan and Fiona Asbury at Sewilicious Fabrics. - Picture: David Hennigan

She said: “We are fearful for our future - especially as many of our customers remain in isolation. We work hard as a small business to not just sell products but to become a community hub, where people join in our crochet and sewing classes.”

The shop is also involved in charity work having recently sent over products to help after the bush fires in Australia.

Cllr Hennigan added: “I know it’s not convenient always to shop local but spending that extra bit of time shopping can reduce your bills and help support our dozens of local, smaller retailers. Think of the future of our town centre - think local, ‘shop small’

“Since lockdown, even more residents are shopping online but to support local business we need to break that habit.”

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