Co-op cafe to close for clothes retailer to move in
Ryan TaylorThe Co-op cafe which operates in the Lerwick supermarket and is run by the Sumburgh Hotel is set to close. It will be replaced by a clothing outlet.
The Co-operative today confirmed it was in talks with the retailer Peacocks to take over the corner of the store which currently houses the small eatery.
Lerwick Community Council member Damien Ristori told fellow members at the town hall on Monday night that rumours were running high the cafe may soon be no more.
A spokesman for The Co-operative said: “We can confirm that we are currently in discussions with a clothes retailer to open within our food store in Holmsgarth Road, Lerwick.
“It will be in an area of the store currently occupied by an independently-run cafe, which is to close.”
Damien Ristori
It’s a shame to see any popular place close & the cafe at the Co-op has been very much appreciated over the years. Is there no way that a small area could be made available as a compromise? Even a DIY cafe where perhaps customers can buy sandwiches/tea/coffee etc & a couple of tables set aside may be an option to look at?
One issue however that saddens me at present is the amount of empty premises around Lerwick & they include – Smith & Harpers, Interior Designs, Clive’s & Ninian, Old freezer shop, Robertson & Peterson, Former taxi office at Commercial Rd & Barber shop at Garthspool.
Small retailers up & down the country seem to be facing similar issues that threaten there livelihoods ie excessive rates, expansion of larger retail areas including supermarkets.
I’m not having a dig at Tescos or the Co-op here but surely all these empty places are a worry to locals who do care for there towns future viability.
The very same issue of excessive rates was broadcast during a December edition of BBC Radio Scotlands Kay Adams programme.
Its was reported that rates are very much an issue when trying to attract new buisness to towns such as Lerwick that have many suitable vacant premises.
I can imagine it is tough for anyone wanting to open up a new venture in a small town like Lerwick but still is there no existing well established buisness willing to take a gamble & try & find a use for the empty places mentioned?
Two shops in town that may be excellent for say furniture, large goods, mixed use premises include Smith & Harpers & Robertson & Petersons.
I just hope a use for all these premises listed will be found in the near future & please we don’t need them turned into more offices.
Damien Ristori
Lerwick Old Town Development Association – Committee Member & Lerwick Community Council Member
Lerwick
David Allan
So the Co-Op want to close the Cafe for a company that is about to go bust. Not a good way for the Co-Op to work.
(Reuters) – Hopes that heavily indebted British clothing retailer Peacocks can avoid collapsing into administration faded on Monday after major lender Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) withdrew from talks about on a proposed debt-for-equity swap.
Peacocks is saddled with 240 million pounds of debt, and two sources with knowledge of the situation said an administration of the retailer, possibly within days, was the most likely scenario.