‘What fishmonger?’ Survey aims to help independent shops to hook more customers in Primrose Hill

Phil Cowan, from Primrose Hill Interiors

Phil Cowan: 'Businesses must go one step extra because commercial landlords are only looking at the best revenue for their premises'

Published: 14 February, 2013
by PAVAN AMARA

A COMMUNITY group in Primrose Hill is trying to encourage more spending in local shops.

Transition Primrose Hill received 139 completed survey responses aimed at finding out the neighbourhood’s shopping habits.

The results were discussed at the Primrose Hill Community Library meeting on Thursday by more than 70 traders and residents.

Results showed that more than two-thirds of people living in the area bought some food from independent shops along Regent’s Park Road, rather than solely in supermarkets.

More than 40 per cent still bought food from nearby farmers’ markets, with a large majority saying they would like to see an independent food shop occupy one of the road’s empty commercial units.

“45 per cent said they would like to see a butcher,” said Lucy Cottrell, who helped organise the survey.

“31 per cent said we need an organic food shop, 20 per cent said a shop selling fresh bread, and 13 per cent said a fishmonger – which is odd because we had a fishmonger that had to close. However, from questioning people further, it became clear that many Primrose Hill residents didn’t know the fishmonger was even there.”

Doro Marden, another organiser, said the idea of the survey came after thousands signed a petition against beauty chain Space NK’s recent arrival in the area.

Speakers discussed the idea of branding the area “Primrose Village”, with shopping loyalty cards.

Phil Cowan, from Primrose Hill Interiors, said: “Businesses must go one step extra because commercial landlords are only looking at the best revenue for their premises. That means we must increase our revenue by coming up with smart-phone apps, internet shopping and home delivery.”

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Comments

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2013-02-18 01:03.

High Street Challenges

U.K. High Streets are facing massive challenges from all directions. The meeting regarding Primrose Hill elicited many interesting ideas and views from all who attended.
The vast increases in rents sought by landlords seems to lie at the heart of the problem. Why are they content to watch parades of empty stores punctuated by "To Let" signs seem acceptable?
They should realise that even the corporate chainstores won't take the bait at these prices for quite some time given the recent campaign and it's local support.
A more reasonable and profitable approach would be to encourage viable,independent traders to take on the empty premises. The populace would support them as shown by the petition and the landlords would have an income. Solution?
These landlords are supposed to be talented investors but their current actions are showing the skills of amateur speculators.
If these shops were occupied Regent's Park Road would be in a better position to enhance it's position as one of London's prime streets and the landlords would get the money they wish to extract from it quicker! Simples!