Shop falls victim to TK Maxx
ANGRY shopkeepers say they are being "chucked out" of Cheltenham's Regent Arcade to make way for TK Maxx's expansion.
Independent traders Penny and Steve Burgess, who have run T-shirt printing business Squat Orange for a decade, face eviction by December 3 – just in time to miss out on important Christmas trade.
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not happy: Penny Burgess, joint director of Squat Orange, is being forced to move out of the Regent Arcade to allow TKMaxx to expand.
Their shopfront stands in the path of superstore TK Maxx's plans to enlarge by 30 per cent.
The Burgesses are irate and hurt by the decision made by arcade owners Canada Life.
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"We're a small independent shop and we've no power whatsoever so we're being swept aside," said Mrs Burgess.
"We have no problem with TK Maxx as its doing what a business needs to do – although it would have been nice to have had some compensation for being chucked out. But it's the manner in which Canada Life has done this and the timing – just before our busiest period."
The Burgesses were sent a shock letter by Canada Life's solicitors Lawrence Graham on August 1.
It said, in accordance with their lease, they were being given "not less than three months' notice in writing".
Mrs Burgess said: "I nearly cried, to be honest, and was very angry. We've had no say in this – and there have been no negotiations. We've built up our business over 10 years and managed to survive where all around us have been failing.
"Unsettling rumours have flown around about TK Maxx expanding but the centre denied it until the day we received the letter.
"Earlier this year it started being more concrete when we heard someone measuring up outside and saying 'shame about this shop'."
The Burgesses print designs on everything from T-shirts to fleeces for the public.
They also had to contribute to the 2007/08 arcade refurbishment and the new-look front, through their service charge.
They plan to move into new premises in Winchcombe Street in mid-October, but say a request to waive their last few weeks' rent has been refused.
Canada Life estates director Mike Roberts said: "We refute any suggestion that Squat Orange has been treated unfairly. We have followed standard commercial procedures as laid down under the terms of the lease agreement.
"The required amount of notice was given, and we were not in a position to speak to anyone about the TK Maxx expansion until the legal agreement had been with them. Our priority has to be to our policy holders whose funds are invested with Canada Life.
"We wish Squat Orange every success for the future."
Comments
by sam291
Wednesday, September 12 2012, 12:09AM
“This is typical big companies only think of how much money they an make, they have NO FEELING for people, just because they are big, they think they can get ride of the small business, what they should remember, one day you big business will fall with a big bang, and roll on the small friendy caring businesses which will return.
The trouble with big businessess these days are they DO NOT CARE ABOUT PEOPLE - its what they can make.”
by Star600
Monday, September 10 2012, 7:58PM
“Small independent shops/companies are where ALL the lagre shops/companies started from...shame some large companies often forget where they came from! When I visited Regent Arcade after the last refurbishment, to be honest it wasn't obvious what they had done so money well spent! All the best to an individual shop for their move and hope they do get at the very least some rent waived!”
by Bob_Flaps
Monday, September 10 2012, 4:52PM
“You tell 'em Rosewood farms, I bet Canada Death (I see what you did there) are quaking in their boots at you taking Squat Orange's side. You keep on sticking it to The Man!
Illegitimi non carborundum!”
by wildman
Monday, September 10 2012, 2:30PM
“I miss the old days of regent arcade, upstairs had independant market stalls, the market stalls had to move, make way for shop units, some of those traders moved into the Indoor Market (now Blockbuster, Maplin etc.) some shops survive after moving, like JJs moved from Regent Arcade into the Indoor Market, then into the former Kicks store, they have survived. Wish all traders luck with moving”
by Glosislovely
Saturday, September 08 2012, 11:35PM
“The best days of the Regent arcade were the first 5 to 10 years after it opened, same with Beechwood Place, now the Regent Arcade just looks dingy with that horrible grey floor throughout, I just hope the new front facade will compliment the town, not like some of the other buildings in the area.”
by NibNobs
Friday, September 07 2012, 1:35PM
“There are loads of empty units in the Regent Arcade, even downstairs amongst the many coffee shops so why not ask Canada Life to help pay for you to re-locate - they aren't going to get a small shop owner to afford to pay the rents in this recession!
The Regent Arcade had it's best days in the 1980's + 1990's when Our Price Music, Athena and Olympus Sports were there. The new renovations, roof & marble floors have done little for visitor numbers.”
by Pinkspanner11
Friday, September 07 2012, 1:15PM
“Surely being in Winchcombe street will benefit them more because people will know they are there?!?!
This should be seen as a blessing in disguise - I bet their Xmas trade doubles because they can be seen rather than being hidden in a cubby hole inside a building yard!!”
by Rosewood Farms
Friday, September 07 2012, 12:47PM
“There is a difference between what is right & what is legal. I only hope Canada Death receive similar treatment when the chain ultimately pulls out of the arcade & move on. In the meantime I'll continue getting quality clothing & service from Squat Orange at their new premises.”
by JASB999
Friday, September 07 2012, 12:38PM
“Off for lunch - see ya.”
by Bob_Flaps
Friday, September 07 2012, 11:16AM
“JASB999 is a habitual idiot. Don't feed the idiot.”