Remember that long distant time, over 30 years ago now, when it was customary for Rhuthun shops to close for a half day, on a Thursday? Then, every town throughout the land stopped dead in its tracks for one afternoon each week. Now, supermarkets and large multiples wish to sweat their overheads and open all hours—and so therefore must all shops. Life moves on and shoppers are the better for six days a week trading.
But there’s a new twist in half-day closing, 21st century style. We’re not sure what to make of the pending decision of Rhuthun Wholefoods to close—on a Saturday afternoon. And remember, the store’s already for sale as a going concern. It's not a shop we can afford to lose.
Have you noticed, though, how the town is less active after lunch on Saturdays, these days? And how busy Tesco is at this time?
It’s nevertheless a bold step for any shop to slam the door shut on what was once a peak trading day. Aside from the Halifax agency, who else closes so early on the last day of the working week? Well, Taurus Trading (gifts) but that doesn’t count as it’s tucked away on Turner Industrial Estate. So does Tengo Media, Lôn Parcwr. Again, not in town.
So, is Rhuthun Wholefoods’ decision the thin end of the vegetarian cheese wedge; or a pragmatic solution in response to changing town centre shopping habits? Will it reinforce the view that there are few alternatives to Tesco, which opens till 10 p.m?
Indeed, is the decision a direct result of three years of Tesco and the resulting reduced town centre footfall? Or has Rhuthun Wholefoods' trade been severely dented since Rhuthun Organics opened its Mwrog Street shop Thursdays to Saturdays, in 2004? Or are people so used to shopping elsewhere on a Saturday—in Chester, for example—that Rhuthun no longer features?
In other town centre news Que Paso, the Mexican cantina, has recently closed. Shame. It offered something rather different in the takeaway market but in its latter weeks had run out of key ingredients and even napkins.
But there’s a new twist in half-day closing, 21st century style. We’re not sure what to make of the pending decision of Rhuthun Wholefoods to close—on a Saturday afternoon. And remember, the store’s already for sale as a going concern. It's not a shop we can afford to lose.
Have you noticed, though, how the town is less active after lunch on Saturdays, these days? And how busy Tesco is at this time?
It’s nevertheless a bold step for any shop to slam the door shut on what was once a peak trading day. Aside from the Halifax agency, who else closes so early on the last day of the working week? Well, Taurus Trading (gifts) but that doesn’t count as it’s tucked away on Turner Industrial Estate. So does Tengo Media, Lôn Parcwr. Again, not in town.
So, is Rhuthun Wholefoods’ decision the thin end of the vegetarian cheese wedge; or a pragmatic solution in response to changing town centre shopping habits? Will it reinforce the view that there are few alternatives to Tesco, which opens till 10 p.m?
Indeed, is the decision a direct result of three years of Tesco and the resulting reduced town centre footfall? Or has Rhuthun Wholefoods' trade been severely dented since Rhuthun Organics opened its Mwrog Street shop Thursdays to Saturdays, in 2004? Or are people so used to shopping elsewhere on a Saturday—in Chester, for example—that Rhuthun no longer features?
In other town centre news Que Paso, the Mexican cantina, has recently closed. Shame. It offered something rather different in the takeaway market but in its latter weeks had run out of key ingredients and even napkins.
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Shops