Fightback against Greenwich town centre’s loss of independent shops as another closes
A petition has been launched directed at the owner of much of Greenwich town centre in order to halt the loss of independent businesses and recent increase in chain stores.
Criticism is aimed at Greenwich Hospital with rent increases given as the reason behind the closure this week of vintage shop Joli on Nelson Street.
The petition states: “We understand Greenwich Hospital has to make money for its charitable concerns but, with imagination, this can be done without destroying the livelihoods of small local businesses and without ignoring its responsibility as custodian of a special part of London.”
Many national chains have set up across the town centre over the past decade. While some have always existed, the number has grown substantially.
The petition continues: “Pricing out independent shops is counterproductive. Greenwich is a place valued by locals and visitors for its heritage and unique character.
“That will be lost if it goes the way of most high streets in the UK and becomes an identikit mass of chain stores. We call on John Healey, Deirdre Mills and vice admiral Martin Connell, respectively the trustee, director and advisor of Greenwich Hospital, to stop this happening.”
Joli vintage clothing store will see their last day of business on Sunday 9 February. You can view and sign the petition here.
Yeah we can’t afford all them independent shops. Wass wrong with chain shops if iss cheaper food n we aint all tourists rahnd ere. I aint signin.
you can have both mate
Signed. The soul of the high streets all-over seems to be ripped off. I think an intervention on government level is necessary.
Well done to the petition starter.
Have signed it.
GH owns much of the town centre and seems interested only in getting the highest rents possible , much to the town’s detriment.
Keenly await ,with great interest, GH’s response .
Aren’t these landlords the same ones that tried to sell Greenwich market to a hotel chain a few years back? Think that tells us all we need to know about their priorities where Greenwich is concerned.
Absolutely Fraser Aitken. You are not wrong. I signed the petition..
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I went to Greenwich today mainly for the indoor market and walking around, noticed that Arty Globe has gone to be replaced by a shop selling guitars. Apparently the shop has been open for eight months, so I guess it must be a while since I last visited. When I crossed over to the bus stop, I noticed that Joli had gone too. I did enjoy browsing both shops and bought a few small items from Joli over the years. I wonder how soon will it be before McDonald’s makes an appearance?