National chain Warren James is to permanently close the doors to its Newport jewellers tomorrow (2nd April) – another nail in the coffin for Newport High Street.
The shop, which first opened in 2017, is apparently closing as the lease is up and the landlords have raised the rent beyond what the jewellery chain is able to afford.
Staff were only given notice of the closure yesterday (Thursday).
It is believed the landlords wish to convert the upstairs rooms into flats and any tenants would need to use the front door entrance to the High Street.
Manager Tiffany has told Island Echo:
“I only heard yesterday. It was a big shock. I was speechless when I was told the news. I’ve been here for over 4 years. I think it will only sink in when the store actually closes tomorrow.
“I’ve been offered a job on the mainland, but with the cost of the ferries it’s not practical. I would like to thank all our lovely customers for all the happy memories I have of my time spent here”.
One of Tiffany’s shop assistants, who didn’t want to be named, has said:
“I am upset and lost for words. I haven’t quite processed it all yet. The High Street is dying. The team that I love and have worked with for 4 ½ years is like a little family. I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under us.”
Perhaps the council should refuse permission to change the upstairs into flats and demand that it is reducing the availability of potential commercial properties – then they may rethink their decision.
Landlord is probably hoping to sell to turn it into posh flats !!!!!
Do they not realise they are messing with people’s lives ????
Hope all staff find new employment ASAP….
‘Posh flats’ and Newport Hight Street, two phrases you don’t often see in the same sentence!
Greedy hedge fund owners again … yet another empty shop, which will remain empty for years to come. The council should get a grip and if the buildings are not re let in a reasonable time hit them with year on year multiplying business rates until they either sell or lease the building at a reasonable rent. Most of the buildings in Newport are owned by investors that don’t live on the island,
Totally agree, where landlords close under these circumstances, where the retailer is willing and able to continue trading, the landlord should be made to pay all business rates and associated charges until it is relet. Disgusting behaviour, and more so, as they have decimated the lives of those working there.
And if our wonderful planners are able to grant planning where it is not needed or wanted, then they should be able to refuse planning for flats above.
Or a new shop front with door to the side is likely an alternative.
“ Most of the buildings in Newport are owned by investors that don’t live on the island ”
Really ?
What’s your source to know that, I’d really like to look into that ?
Where / how did you establish the ownership (island-dweller or not) of all the buildings in Newport ?
I can’t see anything from Council or Land Registry confirming you your claim.
Most of the new builds will be inhabited by those who don’t currently live on the Island, and in many cases have only been in the UK for a short time.
The Island, like the UK is now to be ruined, not for a while, but for the rest of time.
Sad, yet true.
Where did you find out that “Most of the new builds will be inhabited by those who don’t currently live on the Island” ?
Whom provided that information, I’d like to reference it myself.
This appears to be another (as per above) unsubstantiated gross generalisation, no ?
Shhhh now
Yeah, “don’t question conjecture, just take it as fact”.
Righto !
It’s not what you know but who you know .. the former Brighthouse store in Newport is owned, along with other investors, Lord Sugar.
Do your homework the answer is out there.
Surely the owners of Warren James would have been given notice by the landlord and not just one day as this seems to read.
I hope that Warren James gives a good payout to all those affected and either offer reasonable employment elsewhere or promptly find another of many empty properties to relocate,
Good luck to all staff involved.
Surely A rent is better than no rent? If it is that expensive then it will remain empty
Only if there is no lease remaining, I would think they had a break clause and took advantage of it by getting out or having to pay the rent even if the shop was open or closed
All councils are now happy for shops to become accommodation. Helps Johnsons target to house the world here.
Not great, but better than building on Greenfield sites.
I also think that all empty shops should become housing.
Ps. ‘the truth ‘ open your eyes. Donut.