Lanark’s struggling town centre shops will be boosted by “loyal local customers” when lockdown restrictions are fully lifted, a business leader insisted this week.
Antonia Pompa, manager of Discover Lanark Business Improvement District (BID), spoke out this week after it was revealed that WHSmith is leaving the High Street.
The big-name chain will close its doors next month, with an unconfirmed number of job losses.
Ms Pompa this week admitted the closure of WHSmith is a big blow to Lanark town centre, but is staying positive as the BID works hard to strengthen the town centre.
She said: “I wasn’t aware of WHSmith closing until the signs went up in the shop.
“I was obviously disappointed to learn the news, but first and foremost was concerned for the staff as they are a really important part of our community.
“The timing is bad and it won’t be easy to sell the store and find a replacement.
“At the moment, we are in a gradual process of building confidence in our town centres again, whether that’s in Lanark or Hamilton, or elsewhere.
“People want to feel confident coming back into town centre shops and that it’s safe.
“It will take time for that confidence to grow, but one of the positive things to come out of the pandemic is that people stay loyal to their towns and many want to spend in the local community.
“I’m sure most people in the area will want to shop locally and do what they can to support local businesses on reopening.”
To support this, Discover Lanark will be launching a marketing campaign in early summer. It also plans to build on last year’s successful Space @ Hyndford Place outside seating area and a family themed trail to encourage locals into the town during the school holidays.
Lanark Community Development Trust hopes another tenant can be found at the premises being vacated by WHSmith.
A spokesman for WHSmith said: “Unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store in May when our lease terminates.
“As one of the largest supporters of the UK high street, we are disappointed to be losing our presence in Lanark.
“We would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.
“We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”
