Despite concerns from the public expressed on social media last month, the retail industry in Horsham seems to be surviving the economic downturn.
Around 100 comments were made on the Horsham Facebook page in February following the closure of stores in Swan Walk, one of which nicknamed a part of the centre the ‘square of despair’. But speaking about the past year, and their expectations for 2012, many of the town’s business owners paint a more promising picture.
Jamie Thorne took ownership of Look Fantastic hairdressers in Piries Place a year ago with business partner Rebecca Mason. He said: “We’ve done brilliantly this past year. We set our sights high and went for it!
“We’ve put a lot of hard of work into the business and long hours. We refurbished the salon and created a good atmosphere and a positive environment and we have built up a lot of support from regular clients.”
Another business doing a ‘blooming’ trade is Blossom Flowers, also in Piries Place. The florist and gift shop reported a 20 per cent increase in sales last Christmas and throughout January 2012 compared with the same period the year before.
Owner Alice Bradley said: “We’re growing all the time. Things are going really well. We had a great 2011 and I hope it will keep going. I’m in the shop most of the time so I can keep an eye on costs and overheads, which has played a big part in the shop’s success. Plus we have a website which has helped.”
Pat Burstow is a co-owner of Classic Bags. She said: “It’s been a pretty positive year for us. But we have had to work for it. We created a fresh new image and moved to a larger, brighter and lighter shop.
“We also launched a website allowing people to buy online as well, which helps. Hopefully we are over the worst and we always look forward to the Spring and Summer seasons when people start to think about going on holiday. Ultimately we’ve tried to focus on the positive parts of our business and look forwards.
Sue Brown, owner of Beeches Buffet sandwich and gift shop and café, added: “We offer value for money and are sensible about our pricing. I think that’s why we have done so well. And because I believe we serve the cheapest coffee in Horsham and the best eccles cakes.
“We also have two different shops. One sells gifts and basket wear and the other is more focused on the café side of the business. 2012 is going to be a tough year for everybody. I’d like to see a bit of growth. Small independent businesses should support each other.”
Look fantastic’s Jamie Thorne concluded by saying: “2012 is going to be a tough year. But we are going to keep going, working hard, growing the business, welcome new customers and keeping our regular clients happy.”
