Newport residents urged to support local shops as bed store closes

The people of Newport have been urged to support local shops – after it was announced one of the town's independent stores will be closing.

Newport Beds will shut in the New Year after nearly three years of trading. Owner Simon Broad said profit margins had become so slim that it was now impossible to make a living, and called on residents to use small businesses more, a plea echoed by Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard.

Mr Broad said: "I think small town centre retail shops like Newport Beds are becoming a thing of the past.

"With ever increasing overheads such as rates, heating, fuel and electric bills, our margins are getting eroded to such a point that it is impossible to make a living.

"A lot of people say that they like to shop locally, but in reality most of them shop out of town or use the internet."

Mr Broad, who lives in Newport, said a new supermarket could help to keep shoppers in the town. Campaigners are currently protesting against two proposed foodstores on the edge-of-town.

Mr Broad said Newport Beds, which has one member of staff, would stop trading at the end of January.

He said that a bulk purchase of furniture in May had kept the business alive until now, but added that stocks were now coming to an end.

He said: "It is with great sadness that I have decided to close the shop.

"I would like to thank all our loyal customers for their business and support in these difficult trading times, but unfortunately it has become impossible to continue trading."

Meanwhile, Mr Pritchard was in the town this week to buy his Christmas turkey from Matthews Family Butchers on Stafford Street. And he called on town folk to spurn supermarkets and turn to smaller traders this festive season.

He said: "Newport has one of the best high streets and market town shopping areas in the county.

"I urge all people to make an even bigger effort than they normally do to support local shops and traders.

"I've been buying my turkey from Matthews Family Butchers for years. They always offer fantastic quality meats with excellent customer service.

"That is what you get from smaller businesses."