07 Apr 2023
One would expect Harpenden to have weathered the worst of the recent economic downturn, but in common with other towns across the country, many retail premises are empty – some longer than others – reflecting the vacancies visible across neighbouring St Albans’ own city centre.
Two of the biggest losses in the marketplace have to be family shoe shop Coppers and delicatessen Parker & Vine.
Coppers Boots and Shoes was established in the town back in 1989, and in recent years was the only local surviving shoe shop following the closure of Galloways in 2017.
Jane Parker revealed the reasons behind the closure of her food business after seven years in a message to customers: “Unfortunately, changing shopping habits, rising food costs and the current economic climate have taken their toll. The final straw has been being unable to agree terms for a new lease with our landlord.”
Landlord issues was the reason why pet shop Creature Comforts left its home in Vaughan Road after more than half a century.
The business has now relocated to larger premises at Southdown Industrial Estate, as owner Kirsty Wiltsher explained: “Due to ridiculous rent increases we were very sad to leave Harpenden, however Southdown community has welcomed us with open arms and with the move we will be able to keep the business trading and achieve growth.”
The past few years have also seen the disappearance of many of the town’s banks, with HSBC, NatWest, Santander, Lloyds and Halifax among those to have closed their doors for good.
The former NatWest building is now a bustling branch of Gail’s Bakery, Lloyds has become coffee shop Harris + Hoole, and there is good news for the former Santander premises, which has now reopened as a Majestic Wines store.
The old Gallery Rouge building is going to become a Persian restaurant in a matter of weeks, and following a revised planning application by Oakman Inns, it seems as though Kingston House – the former M&Co and one-time C&A – will finally re-open as a pub and restaurant.
The empty Rosanna’s restaurant in Vaughan Road is apparently under offer for letting, but what was Barbarello at the north end of town shows no signs of life, and neither does 20/20 Eyecare in Station Road.
Only time will tell what shape the town takes over the next few months, as new businesses move in to replace now lost favourites. We can only hope that landlords give them the time to establish themselves before imposing harsh rent hikes.
