South Norwood roadworks blamed for shop closure
ROADWORKS have finally left South Norwood – but not without claiming a victim.
Wism, based in the High Street, opened four years ago but was due to shut on Saturday.
While the fashion store's owners said there are other factors behind its closure – notably the recession – trade has been down more than 50 per cent since January when the roadworks started.
Entrepreneurs Elizabeth Fournier and Karen Cooper chose the South Norwood location because they felt it offered the best business opportunities.
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But the road was left blocked for months when Thames Water had to replace the Victorian water mains.
Elizabeth said: "We opened in the recession and it's been quite difficult for us, but this year the roadworks have definitely killed it to be honest.
"I understand it's got to be done, but it's just unfortunate for us.
"They blocked the road off so we weren't having the volume of traffic coming down and the buses weren't stopping along here for people to get off.
"That was a lot of our custom – people would see something in the shop window when they were on the bus coming home from work."
Although Elizabeth believes they might be able to claim compensation for the disruption, it is too late to save the shop from shutting.
When they opened the business four years ago, the pair saw a gap in the market to offer fashionable clothes for women in the 16 to 28 size range.
Elizabeth said: "What this High Street needs is a big name like Superdrug or Iceland to come in here.
"We're obviously gutted. We've tried so hard to stay open, but financially it's not viable for us anymore."
Looking to the future, Elizabeth and Karen are planning a well-earned rest.
Elizabeth added: "We're going to take a break, we've had no holidays or weekends away.
"We're going to take some time out as ladies of leisure for a while, if finances allow that.
"I'd like to thank the customers for their support.
"We've had some lovely customers and they've become friends to us as well."
Comments
by CuppaTeaPlz
Monday, June 11 2012, 5:35PM
“Was you drinking last night @crease lol”
by The3rd
Monday, June 11 2012, 9:09AM
“Yes, I did say that a high end hotel would be good for the area and yes I do think people avoid the area because it is crime ridden. What's your point?
The area needs major regeneration and having a posh hotel is just the start.
Just because I think the area is in terminal decline does not mean I want it to stay that way.”
by Crease2000
Monday, June 11 2012, 1:17AM
“You saucy tease. I love you :D”
by CuppaTeaPlz
Monday, June 11 2012, 12:02AM
“Lost the plot more like ;)”
by Crease2000
Sunday, June 10 2012, 11:52PM
“Cuppa, is it tb and Krystal in the pic? I think they've lost a few Ilbs?”
by CuppaTeaPlz
Sunday, June 10 2012, 12:04PM
“@crease. Almost matching the wall paper. ;)”
by DianaFrance
Saturday, June 09 2012, 11:33AM
“I remember when Norwood was a relatively posh area. Now it certainly isn't.
I believe most of our area's problems originate not with the recession, not with traffic, but with the constant conversion of larger houses into smaller and smaller flats. People living in slum-like bedsits need to eat but can't cook in their lodgings, so need fast food outlets. They have nowhere to store anything and probably have low income,so don't buy much. The area goes downhill and nobody wants to shop there.
I honestly think landlords are killing the Croydon area, and letting it turn into somewhere I really don't want to be.”
by AVENGER
Saturday, June 09 2012, 10:57AM
“"A high end hotel could be what South Norwood needs to regenerate the area. Attracting people with money to the area can only be a good... "
The3rd commented on the Story"South Norwood hotel 'will not be a..."
Why would you want to invite money to South Norwood if you are so willing to condem the
area by your previous comments??
There are many who actually care about what happens to the area.”
by Crease2000
Friday, June 08 2012, 11:11PM
“I think that they're both wearing very nice frocks :o)”
by The3rd
Friday, June 08 2012, 4:44PM
“Avenger - Please stop shouting.
Yes, people avoided South Norwood due to traffic, I would agree with you there. But people also avoid South Norwood because it is not a desirable place. Stabbings, muggings and burgulary is all to common.”