CHARITY shop staff in Rugby are fearing for the future as three town centre stores announced their closures in the space of the week.
Scope, on Church Street, has already closed its doors to shoppers, and Acorns and Shelter, both on High Street, will cease trading on Saturday October 8.
And despite receiving business rate discounts of up to 80 per cent from Rugby Borough Council, many charity shops are still struggling and some staff and volunteers fear they may soon face the same fate.
A staff member at another Rugby charity shop, who did not want to be named, said: “A few of us are scared, now that we have seen a few charity shops leave the town centre, we might be next.
“When the Marks and Spencer store moved from the town out to Elliott’s Field, a lot of passers-by would notice the charity shops, or make an effort to go to the nearby shops, but now there are fewer reasons for those shoppers to come to the town centre.
“It has not been easy for us, or other stores nearby, now that regular shoppers don’t visit any more.”
Kevin Ives, head of retail at Acorns, said the decision to close had not been taken lightly.
He said: “Trading conditions on the high street have been challenging for some time. We are obviously sad to be closing the shop, but the increasing demand on our services means we cannot keep it open if it is not making money.
“It costs Acorns nearly £10million to operate its three hospices. The retail network makes a significant contribution to those costs so we have to make sure every shop is performing as well as it possibly can.”
David Cryer, Shelter’s head of retail operations, said: “We are very sad to be closing our Rugby store. Unfortunately the shop hasn’t been doing as well as expected, and with more and more people needing our help we have to make sure we spend every pound as efficiently as possible to help more families keep a roof over their heads.
“I would like to thank everyone who has visited our store over recent years, and the staff and volunteers who have dedicated their time. We are very grateful for your support.”
Aftab Gaffar, managing director of town centre management company Rugby First, said the town is still adjusting but the future looks hopeful.
He said: “We know many found it difficult after Elliott’s Field took some shoppers away from the town centre, but there are many reasons to stay optimistic.
“The Christmas season always brings more people into the town centre – as well as the opening of the World Rugby Hall of Fame, more independent shops moving into vacant spots and Clocktowers shopping centre helping to bring more footfall to the area.
“It might take some time but all these actions will help bring some life back to the town centre.”
