Having read your recent article about Stuart from Mann and Son leaving the shop, resulting in the loss of one of the most polite members of shop staff that I have ever encountered, and the other article about Mr Mann stating his valid, understandable reasons for closing, which sadly means a loss to the town, I was surprised on a recent visit to the town.
The shop appears to still be trading, which was mentioned in the article with Stuart, but whilst there are “sale” signs in the window, there is nothing to suggest it is closing down imminently, or indeed at any point in the future.
As good for the town as it would be if Mann’s remained, I am hoping that the “Dryden’s effect” will not be replicated, which has possibly been the longest closing down sale in history!
Both Dryden’s and Mann’s were/will be a sad loss to our independent trading history in town, and a sad reflection of changing buying habits but having a long, drawn out sale/no new stock is not the answer.
And, while I am on the subject, it is a myth that “any business is better than an empty shop”. This is something our councillors should be aware of, although I doubt that many of them venture into the town centre on a regular basis.
James Walker
Woolram Wygate
Spalding
