Lewes Forum thread

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Another independent shop gone

On 11 Apr 2012 at 8:11pm Retail Observer wrote:

I noticed that Fleur De The, the little florist on Market St nr Lazzatis has succumbed. Pity. Nice lady. Terrible location! Sadly, the good people of Lewes doth love the flowers at Aldi, Tesco and Waitrose too much. A triumph of convenience over character. Hope the new owners at Chocolate Shop on Station St and possible buyers of Renwick Clarke appreciate the challenges that Lewes offers. Why is it not more promintently advertised that County Hall car park is open, half empty and £1 all day saturday. Would benefit most upper town retailers greatly.

On 12 Apr 2012 at 12:29pm Dave wrote:

County Hall Car park - Ample car parking space just a short drive from the shops!

On 12 Apr 2012 at 12:41pm retail reply wrote:

what a shame!
our gorgeous independent shops are a big part of the unique character of Lewes... however can I just say that Fleur De The may have suffered more from a difficult location and subtle shop frontage rather than flowers being bought from supermarkets.
It could also be that more prominent and well established (also independent) florists in the town (ie Riverside and Lewesiana) have a loyal bank of returning customers and that the current financial climate is a difficult time to start a new business against such strong competiton.
if there are new owners at one of the town 3 chocolate shops I am sure that they looked at their competition before buying an established business.
As to parking thats a whole other subject...

On 12 Apr 2012 at 1:07pm Old Cynic wrote:

Its a shame but Im not suprised - I had no idea what she sold - very little clue from the china cups filled with candles on poles thingy in the window. Didnt know about Renwick Clark - again not suprised, nice stuff just far too expensive

On 12 Apr 2012 at 1:10pm Cheeky Monkey wrote:

Funny, I never even noticed that place. One thing i know is that if you run a shop its always good to give people an idea of what you do in the window.

On 12 Apr 2012 at 5:57pm alan wicker wrote:

on a recent city break i noticed that things in theshop windows gives you a good idea of what you are likely to get . what a lovley city amsterdam is

On 13 Apr 2012 at 12:26pm Cheeky Monkey wrote:

Mmmmm......Dirty Dutch Granny street was my fave.....

On 14 Apr 2012 at 8:21am Dan wrote:

None of you has a clue about what is involved in running a shop. How about we concentrate on the successful shops that remain independent?. IF people want to but cheap crap let them. It doesnt last.

On 19 Apr 2012 at 12:11pm Cheeky Monkey wrote:

Hi Dan, I do run a shop and I agree with you, cheap crap is best left to the pound shops and tesco etc.
By the way, my shop doesn't sell Dirty Dutch Grannies!
We have an independent shop in Lewes and the evidence shows that if you know your market, Lewes is a great place to run a shop. We are thriving.