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Business owners defend the town after coffee shop decamps to Chipping Norton
21/02/2023
One business owner says “We are open and going nowhere”
Independent retailers are coming to the defence of their town after a scathing review of the current state of Banbury by a business that has just closed its doors for the final time.
The Rustic Bean surprised people on Monday by posting a message to social media saying they were shutting their doors in Parson’s Street for good at the end of trading.
The message said: “Sadly today’s rising costs for businesses and the downfall of customers in Banbury town centre, it has become clear that it isn’t a viable business.
“Our five year lease has come to the end of its term and we didn’t want to carry on trading in Banbury anymore.
“Personally I can’t see Banbury getting any better anytime soon, hence many businesses closing in the town centre!
“We have had some amazing customers in the last five years, but with [the] economic crisis and with nothing in the town, PLUS rising car parking charges its become ridiculous, it will only get worse.”
The message concluded suggesting people can still visit their outlet in Chipping Norton.
But a number of local business owners have fought back saying they will not abandon the town.
Barry Whitehouse runs The Artery Art Shop at the top of Parson’s Street and has championed the town’s local independent businesses for a number of years. He wrote: “We are open! We are going nowhere because we love our town!
“This year sees us celebrating thirteen years in business in Banbury old town and we are so grateful to have everyone’s support. We know it’s not easy, but we are still here, and with more art supplies than you can shake a pencil at.
“A huge thank you to all of our customers old and new for keeping our doors open, even though we know it’s hard for you too. We will get through this.”
The team at the Apothecary Tap in Butcher’s Row chose to post a tongue in cheek message announcing that “with great sadness” they will continue trading despite the current business crisis and would not be opening a second outlet in Chipping Norton.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam