As you stroll through the heart of town, it's hard to ignore the sight of numerous vacant storefronts. This situation has left many shoppers feeling uneasy, particularly after the recent closure of a prominent fashion retailer.
On Wednesday, the Select store located in the Albion Centre of Ilkeston officially shut its doors for good, representing yet another blow to the clothing retail scene in the area.
"When you walk around the centre, it’s disheartening to see so many empty units, and it raises concerns about what might happen if this trend continues," said local resident Ruth Wilson. "While it’s encouraging to see some people out and about, the number of vacant shops is alarming.
"It feels as though there’s no activity concerning those empty spaces, making me wonder if they will ever be filled again. I fear that if this continues, it could deter visitors from coming to the town. We are situated conveniently between Nottingham and Derby, both of which offer far more shopping options, which, in turn, could negatively impact local trade.
"Having lived here for many years, I genuinely hope that Ilkeston doesn’t end up resembling a ghost town."
Another long-time resident, 79-year-old Robert, expressed his thoughts: "These days, it’s all about chain stores; the charm of independent shops seems to have vanished—this is a trend seen across many towns.
"I’ve heard that the business rates in the shopping centre are quite steep, which likely discourages independent retailers from setting up shop here. Walking through the centre, it’s evident that it’s becoming more and more deserted, which doesn’t bode well for our town."
Interestingly, some shopkeepers have reported that even with the presence of empty units, customer traffic in the area has remained relatively stable.
A staff member from one of the shops in the Albion Centre, who preferred to stay anonymous, mentioned, "We were aware that the closure of Select was on the horizon; it’s part of a wider strategy affecting the entire brand, not specifically related to local foot traffic.
"Weekends can get quite bustling here, but I understand how the costs associated with running a business could indeed pose challenges for independent stores, which might explain why we see mostly chain retailers in the centre. Nevertheless, I believe Ilkeston boasts a wonderful community that regularly visits the High Street, making it busier than some neighboring towns. Therefore, having a shop here can still be a worthwhile endeavor."
What do you think about the current state of shopping in Ilkeston? Are these empty units a sign of a larger trend affecting small towns everywhere? Your thoughts could shed light on this ongoing discussion!
