Business Rents Blight
Retailers in Pitlochry are concerned about the changes going on in Atholl Road and as the town gears itself up for another busy season, businesses are closing down due to high rents and increased rates.
Treasure Island in Mill lane has shut up shop with a sign on the door saying ‘lease has come to an end and is not being renewed’. This is one shop which will be missed, as it offered something different to both locals and visitors. Its loss means that customers must travel to Perth and beyond or source supplies on the internet.
Whilst there are businesses opening up, these do not appear to be bringing anything new to the town. Those who were glad to see something happening at last with the old Co-operative building in Atholl Road may not be quite so happy when they hear that this is to be the home of yet another outdoor clothing shop, as this now makes a total of 6 retail units selling outdoor clothing and accessories - all in Atholl Road. |
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There is a new Red Cross Charity Shop, also on the main street, and whilst everyone accepts that the Red Cross does wonderful work, and that this worthy cause requires to raise funds, the worry is that too many charity shops in the town will not encourage passing tourists to stop and shop.
Pitlochry is now the third most expensive town in Scotland for leased shop premises, with Edinburgh being the most expensive, followed closely by St Andrews. This does not bode well for the small independent retailer who is being priced out of the market. Can Pitlochry really afford to lose anymore of its shops?
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