Be Richmond Vice Chair, Gabriel Irwin, was in the news on Sunday 14th March.
A report by accountants PwC, using data provided by The Local Data Company, suggested that the Covid-19 pandemic had exacerbated an existing problem in Britain’s High Streets, leading to the closure of over 17,500 shops. The report suggested that the impact had been felt hardest by chain stores.
Asked for a Richmond perspective, Gabriel, who also owns Foot Solutions in Red Lion Street, agreed that Richmond had certainly suffered, but was well placed to make a strong recovery. Unlike other towns, in the region, Richmond’s retail and hospitality businesses aren’t reliant on incoming commuters. The town has a large, affluent and economically active local catchment which can support a thriving retail and hospitality environment. In addition, Richmond’s beautiful riverside setting, green spaces and transport links make it attractive and easily accessible to visitors and tourists.
Gabriel also pointed out that landlords in the town were already receiving enquiries about vacant units and that new stores had recently opened.
The story was also widely covered on national radio and online
Watch the TV news article here
