Rising business rates blamed as Telford DIY store shuts after 20 years
A Telford DIY store has closed down after 20 years, with the owner blaming tough trading conditions for its demise.
Supersavers, based in High Street, Dawley, shut its doors for the last time on Saturday just hours after announcing the move on social media.
Manager Suki Mohan said slow sales and the pressures of rent and business rates had led to the the decision to close with the loss of three jobs.
"The business has been struggling for more than a year now," he said.
"It was good when we first opened 20 years ago, but things have really declined. We are closing, but it is really sad to go.
"It used to be a big business at one time. We didn't want to go, but the level of the business rates plus we pay rent means we can't sustain it any longer.
"We have made a lot of noise about the rates and the pressure on high streets with out local councillors, but we feel no-one addressed our concerns," Mr Mohan added.
Telford & Wrekin Council's finance chief, Councillor Lee Carter, said the authority had rolled out a number of measures including free parking and an empty property and shop front grant scheme to assist traders.
Loyal
Supersavers' Facebook post stated: "This is to inform you that Supersavers will be going out of business as of tomorrow (29.12.2018). We have a sale on in an effort to clear out our entire inventory.
"We’ll be offering large discounts on all items and hope you will come take advantage of these savings - we thank you all for being loyal customers for the past 20 years that we have been in business."
Around a dozen customers replied.
Sue Dawson said: "So sorry to hear this, have been coming to your shop for years and always make us feel welcome, wish you all good luck for the future xx."
Teresa Pagett said: "Dawley will not be the same without you."
Councillor Carter said: “It’s very tough on the high street for businesses big and small."
"However, it’s clear that this is a national issue and a generational challenge. We will be at looking how we can take advantage of the recently announced government scheme to help high streets. And of course we’ll look to offer whatever support we can to employees affected by the closure of business."
