HASLEMERE’S Chamber of Trade and Commerce has said it expects the town’s retail vacancy rates to be “back into single figures” by mid-spring.
President of the Chamber, Craig McGowan, said: “With The Coppa Club opening in the former Georgian Hotel premises and a new restaurant in the old Barclays Bank building, the attractiveness of Haslemere as a destination to work, rest and play will increase over the coming months.
“A Chamber retailers group is developing a programme of events and ideas to enhance trading and encourage footfall in the town.”
The retailers group is headed by retailer Peter Jones, of The Sportslocker.
He said: “There is an excellent buzz around the town with retailers preparing to re-open and welcome back their customers.
“With summer just around the corner, our shops are looking better than ever as many retailers have taken the opportunity to refurbish and decorate their premises in lockdown.”
The chamber said members were “working closely with the town council” and “supporting the return of the Farmers Market on the first Saturday of each month to add to the trading dynamic”.
Mr McGowan added: “The Chamber is supporting the significant community effort to enhance the attractiveness of the town from the Weyhill In Bloom group who are filling the shop windows of the empty premises with some eye-catching displays.”
“We anticipate that the response from local retailers and residents as restrictions are lifted will be one of relief and reaffirmation that shopping local is by far the easiest and best way of preserving our beloved High Street and Wey Hill shopping areas.
“There are opportunities for businesses beyond the retail sector as the pandemic has embedded a more flexible, remote-working culture. Haslemere boasts dedicated workspace for those who don’t want to work from home at the Haslemere Business Centre.
“This Chamber initiative provides serviced office space to rent on a desk-by-desk basis and has been a springboard for local businesses over the last five years.”