A Somerset jeweller and watch repairer will close its business next month after claiming it is becoming harder and harder for independent retailers to survive.
Nailsea Jewellers will carry out watch repairs and battery fittings until the middle of next month and plans to reduce all stock to half price until it stops trading in May.
Owner Paul Knowles, who runs the business with his daughter Janet Currell, revealed a mixture of factors had prompted his decision to close the business.
“The lease is at an end and I want to retire and Janet is expecting another child so there was no point in renewing the lease,” he told the North Somerset Times. “Sadly, the economic climate is not that good in Nailsea either. There are too many empty shop units and not enough quality shops to attract shoppers; increasingly retailers in the town are finding it difficult to make ends meet and make a decent living.”
Knowles said that trading conditions had changed immeasurably during recent years, making it more difficult for businesses like his to make money.
“Internet sales have taken a toll on the independent retailer in recent years as well as rising rents, reduction in council business rate relief, compulsory pension payments due later in the year and increases to the minimum wage,” he said.
He said the company wished to thank all its customers over the years for their support, as well as the loyal staff members that it employs.
