East Lothian Courier | News | ‘Devastating’ drop in trade

Monday, 12th May, 2008

Published: Friday, 21st March, 2008 09:00

‘Devastating’ drop in trade

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HIGH STREET retailers in Dunbar have reported a “devastating” drop in trade since the arrival of Asda four months ago.

In a recent survey of 18 Dunbar business, 52 per cent of outlets reported a decline in profits since the retail giant opened its doors in November, while 12 per cent said their profits had not been affected.

A further 36 per cent of businesses either refused to make public their profit margins or could not calculate the figures in time for the report.

However, more than 90 per cent noted a “visible absence of customers” on High Street.

The survey, conducted by the council’s economic division, indicated that most local shop owners were feeling the pinch – one third of respondents revealed that they had made staff cuts since Asda’s arrival in November.

Earlier this month, around 40 Dunbar retailers met the council’s depute economic development manager Richard Baty, and a trio of local councillors, to discuss their predicament.

The meeting, held at the Rossborough Hotel, was called by Dunbar Trades’ Association who were due to hold a further meeting entitled ‘Save Our Town Centre’ at the same venue yesterday (Thursday, 7.30pm).

Individuals or businesses affected since Asda opened were expected to hold a brainstorming session with their elected representatives, and council economic development officers, to try to improve Dunbar’s dwindling High Street trade.

East Lothian Council’s depute economic development manager, Mr Baty, called on retailers to help come up with ideas to generate more trade in the town centre.

Speaking to the Courier, he said: “The council is looking at various options to generate more business in East Lothian towns.

“We are performing a health check on retailers in Dunbar and North Berwick following the arrival of Asda and Tesco respectively.

“We sent out questionnaires to retailers to see what effect they have had on local business and they show a downturn in trade in these areas.

“My main concern is the reduction in footfall as a result of these supermarkets.

“It is apparent there is less High Street traffic and my job is to create ways to address this and get people back on the High Street.”

Any suggestions on how to increase business in Dunbar town centre can be forwarded to Dunbar Trades’ Association’s secretary, Pauline Jaffray, email: pjdesign@dunbar.org.uk

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