Negativity surrounding pandemic is hitting retail sales, MP warns
A Tory MP has hailed "flourishing" retailers across the region as he warned that negativity surrounding the coronavirus crisis was hitting sales.
Marco Longhi said some shops were doing so well they were expanding and taking on more workers – proving that it was possible to thrive despite the pandemic.
The Dudley North MP met with retailers during a visit to the Trident Centre, off Dudley High Street.
He said: "It was a pleasure to visit these businesses and see retail success during these challenging times.
"Of course, I acknowledge many are still having a real tough time because of Covid-19.
"I’ve recently talked about the hospitality sector which has really borne the brunt of the consequences of Covid safety measures – and it still is.
"But one thing I do know is this: we can all talk ourselves down, be negative and reduce customer interest in the area, or we can work the problem and be as optimistic as we can be, it really does make a difference."
Mr Longhi said businesses were preparing to move in to three empty units in the centre.
Investment
He met with shop owners including Mel Davis and Steph Box from Josephines Baby Boutique, who shared with him their "positive stories of investment and expansion".
"The very same story was repeated by Steve John of Buy Sofas Direct, a business that locally manufactures and sells sofas and has also expanded in other household furniture and taken on an additional space in the centre," the MP added.
"Rounds, a local buy back store run by Gary Round, has been in the centre for several years and the good news is that three more shops have taken up leases.
"All shops had very good Covid safety measures in place. Let’s keep going and make the most of what we can."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak recently announced measures to help businesses manage their cash flow, including an extension of the 'Bounceback Loan'.
It came as fashion industry chiefs called for the introduction of a "Shop Out to Help Out" initiative to boost sales.
