Charity retatailers 'bring in trade' (From Penarth Times)

Charity retatailers 'bring in trade'

PENARTH'S charity shops have hit back at a trader's claim that the sign of a "dying" town is too many charity shops in the town centre.

The comment was made in the Times by Paul Church, owner of P Church grocers on Glebe Street two weeks ago.

Arguing with Cllr Anthony Ernest that Penarth town centre was in urgent need of rejuvenation, he told us: "There are so many charity shops in Penarth and that is the sign of a dying shopping area.

"There has to be something drastic done to help businesses or we are in danger of closing down."

In response Penarth's charity shops have claimed they actually bring business to the area.

Lorraine Evans, manager of the Cancer Research UK shop on Stanwell Road, said: "There are a lot of shops here and the local community give us great support.

We have a tremendous amount of trade each day, as many as 100 customers.

"Many of our visitors are from all over the Vale and some come from the Valleys.

I think the charities attract business to the area.

They will not just visit our shop."

Other stores agreed and were happy to talk about how much trade they brought in to the town.

A volunteer from the Oxfam Shop on Windsor Road said: "We have a lot of customers coming here and there are regulars who buy from the shop.

"I am involved with the books side of the business and there are more than 100 people on the list who buy each week.

"Between 100 and 150 people put money in the till each day.

But I do feel sorry for some of the traders as there are a lot of charity shops which must take business from them."

Assistant Manager of the shop Sarah Todd said: "We have had our best year for takings in the 20 years Oxfam have been here."