winchestertoday
AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 025
...and not forgetting Cheriton, Romsey, Stockbridge, Hursley, Kings Worthy, Littleton, Alresford, Chandler’s Ford, Micheldever, Bishop’s Waltham and everywhere in between!
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ACTIVE FAMILY WE HAVE A WINNER!
This is the moment Justine Mackenzie found out that she had hit the jackpot at the opening of Space NK Apothecary in Winchester’s High Street. She had only popped into town to get a coffee and a muffin, and said: “I came in to see the shop as I was here, and I won £1,000-worth of skincare products in the best range available! It definitely made my day – it really put a smile on my face!” More exclusive pictures: page 30
ONE IN, ONE OUT Major brand shuts up shop in blow to Winchester’s High Street
WINCHESTER’S High Street had a mixed month in July. Most of the time it has been heaving with shoppers out enjoying the sunshine – good news, of course. As the picture above shows, the opening of Space NK Apothecary drew a good crowd as it opened the latest of its 64 stores across the UK, adding to its portfolio of branches in places like Bath, Bristol and Bournemouth. On the other hand, a brand synonymous with the British high street since 1973 was moving in the other direction. While it cannot be much of a surprise over Monsoon, it is still a disappointment. Monsoon effectively ‘gave notice’ in May 2015 when it revealed a profit loss of 19 per cent for the year to 30 August 2014, with £50m profit on sales of £509m. The retailer said the group had a “challenging year” with a struggle against unseasonal weather and weaker performance in both the UK and overseas. They announced store closures and a cost-cutting plan. Executive Director of Winchester BID, Catherine Turness said: “I am sincerely disappointed that a large
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by KEVIN GOVER national retailer has chosen to leave Winchester. However, with significant investment being made in Southampton, Whiteley and Basingstoke, it is no wonder we are losing these brands to cities and towns actively investing in their locations. “Generally one of the sole decisions of estates surveyors when reviewing their national portfolio is to look at rates and rents against operating costs. “Winchester remains to have one of the highest commercial rents outside of London and will continue to do so until Winchester City Council resurrects a plan for Silver Hill, which could provide prime retail space and thus open up competition to reduce rates and rent. “Winchester needs more options – I often hear people say that we do not need more space because we have vacancies, but the underlying issue is that we don’t have enough options for retailers to consider.” Ah, Southampton and Whiteley – where have we seen those mentioned? Continued on page 7
RURAL IDYLL
The Hampshire schemes up for Countryside Awards page 30