New Look, a major clothing store in Porth, is scheduled to close its branch on February 22, creating concern among the local community. The Porth and District Chamber of Trade has taken action by reaching out to key authorities, including the UK Government, Welsh Government, local MS, MP, and the council, urging for immediate intervention to prevent further decline in the town centre. The closure of the New Look store on Hannah Street is predicted to have a significant impact on Porth, leaving the town without a national clothing retailer and leading to a potential decrease in footfall that could adversely affect independent businesses throughout the area.
Established in 1882, the Chamber of Trade emphasised the importance of urgent action to address the challenges faced by Porth, suggesting several measures such as setting up a high street task force for small-town regeneration, securing dedicated funding for towns like Porth to ensure equitable investment, implementing reforms in business rates to ease financial burdens on retailers, enhancing infrastructure to enhance accessibility and attractiveness of the town, providing increased financial assistance to businesses impacted by the rising cost of living, and levelling the competitive field between online retailers and high street businesses to ensure fair competition.
According to the Porth and District Chamber of Trade, New Look’s decision to close its Porth branch was influenced by financial considerations rather than issues specific to the location or the town itself. This underscores the financial pressures faced by national retailers while underscoring the necessity for immediate support for the remaining independent businesses in the area to thrive. The closure of the New Look store will not only affect the availability of clothing options in Porth but also contribute to the broader challenges confronting independent businesses in the town.
With the impending closure looming, the Chamber of Trade has taken the initiative to engage with decision-makers at both national and regional levels to advocate for concrete support measures for Porth. The objective is to ensure that the town receives the necessary assistance to stay competitive and vibrant. The Porth and District Chamber of Trade remains committed to lobbying for investments, fairer business policies, financial relief initiatives, and a level playing field for high street businesses to preserve the essence of the town’s local economy.
In response, a spokesperson from New Look expressed gratitude to colleagues and the local community for their support over the years, acknowledging the forthcoming closure of the Porth branch. The closure, driven by budget constraints and lease terms, marks the end of an era for the retailer in Porth and highlights the evolving landscape of national retail chains in smaller town centres like Porth.
As the community in Porth braces for the closure of New Look, there is a shared sense of urgency to revitalise the town centre and support local businesses. Through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, it is hoped that Porth can overcome the challenges posed by the closure of a major retailer and pave the way for a sustainable and thriving economic landscape in the future.