We can’t fully agree with the two comments on Monday 25 February’s post on Tilly Mint Village Collectables. Take a look and see if *you* agree or not. It’s good to have an opinion.
Both commenters felt Tilly Mint was an example of what I paraphrase as the ‘gentrification’ of Rhuthun. Yes, there is a danger that Rhuthun is becoming full of expensive ‘London-type lifestyle shops’ at the expense of the bread-and-butter. But such shops as Tilly Mint attract tourists (or are supposed to, at any rate) and this adds value. It's also the type of shop that gives a 'feel good' factor.
‘People do not care what we need or want in Ruthin’. That statement may well be true. Trouble is that those who have maintained ordinary convenience stores have found providing for Rhuthun’s everyday needs and wants is somewhat hard work, post-Tesco.
What choice is there in a small town dominated by a major supermarket retailer? Aren't shops like Tilly Mint a way of ensuring survival in the face of extreme competition? A market differentiated product that offers something unique and lively?
‘I'll bet you a penny to a pound of the proverbial XXX that the next new venture to open will be either hair and beauty, expensive wholesome food, or another expensive trinket shop’. Would most people in Rhuthun rather see open shops rather than vacant premises? And it’s sad to report that the Sun Tân beauty salon has just closed and Rhuthun Wholefoods may well follow, unless a buyer comes forward.
Both commenters felt Tilly Mint was an example of what I paraphrase as the ‘gentrification’ of Rhuthun. Yes, there is a danger that Rhuthun is becoming full of expensive ‘London-type lifestyle shops’ at the expense of the bread-and-butter. But such shops as Tilly Mint attract tourists (or are supposed to, at any rate) and this adds value. It's also the type of shop that gives a 'feel good' factor.
‘People do not care what we need or want in Ruthin’. That statement may well be true. Trouble is that those who have maintained ordinary convenience stores have found providing for Rhuthun’s everyday needs and wants is somewhat hard work, post-Tesco.
What choice is there in a small town dominated by a major supermarket retailer? Aren't shops like Tilly Mint a way of ensuring survival in the face of extreme competition? A market differentiated product that offers something unique and lively?‘I'll bet you a penny to a pound of the proverbial XXX that the next new venture to open will be either hair and beauty, expensive wholesome food, or another expensive trinket shop’. Would most people in Rhuthun rather see open shops rather than vacant premises? And it’s sad to report that the Sun Tân beauty salon has just closed and Rhuthun Wholefoods may well follow, unless a buyer comes forward.