Brexit to blame for Fishergate sweet shop closure, says Preston confectioner

A Preston confectioner says Brexit is to blame for the sudden closure of his Fishergate sweet shop.
Beverley's in Fishergate, Preston, formerly a branch of Mr. Simm's chain of sweet shops, closed suddenly on Friday, January 24Beverley's in Fishergate, Preston, formerly a branch of Mr. Simm's chain of sweet shops, closed suddenly on Friday, January 24
Beverley's in Fishergate, Preston, formerly a branch of Mr. Simm's chain of sweet shops, closed suddenly on Friday, January 24

Beverley’s Sweet Shop, opposite Fishergate Shopping Centre, ceased trading on Friday, January 24.

Formerly a branch of Mr Simm's Olde Sweet Shoppes, the store had been locally owned and operated since 2017.

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It was re-branded as Beverley's in May 2018, with a new focus on imported American candy, instead of the boiled sweets of the former Victorian-style store.

Beverley's Sweet Shop had been locally owned and operated since 2017Beverley's Sweet Shop had been locally owned and operated since 2017
Beverley's Sweet Shop had been locally owned and operated since 2017

Shop owner Oliver Kelly said a number of factors led to him closing the shop, including uncertainty over Brexit.

"It’s a tough market", said Mr Kelly.

"The craze for imported confectionery isn't what it used to be a couple of years ago.

"And the uncertainty of Brexit was a killer last year because consumers were cautious about spending."

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But Mr Kelly said the shadow cast by a looming Brexit was just one of a number of challenges that the business faced.

"We took over the Mr Simms brand in 2017 and re-branded as Beverley’s Sweet Shop to reduce franchise costs as margins were already tight.

"But the store was expensive to rent. We had to pay £12,000 per year for such a small property in Victoria Buildings, as the Fishergate location was supposedly prime.

"But less and less consumers are coming to the high street and 2019 was the worst year yet for retail.

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"There was a confectionery retailer that closed in Liverpool Road in Penwortham last year too.

"People might not realise but our costs were around £50,000 per year before buying stock.

"We kept the store going for as long as possible but, unfortunately, the strain sustained by the business in a difficult climate has caused us a huge financial loss.

"Therefore, we have made the decision to close."

He said other factors, including increasing competition from supermarkets and the introduction of the sugar tax in 2018, added to a "difficult business climate".

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"I see low budget supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi are performing well against rivals such as Tesco and Asda, so it's not just smaller businesses that are struggling.

"I note that Tesco and Asda also have a small American confectionery offering, but the craze for American candy isn't what it once was.

"I think the sugar tax has probably not helped either, as we have had to pass this cost on to the consumer.

"But I think Brexit was the issue", said Mr Kelly, who voted to remain in the 2016 referendum.

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"I voted to remain, but I’m glad we’ve left under Boris' leadership", added the businessman.

"I think he will get us the right deal and I feel confident about his leadership."

But Mr Kelly said the challenges of trading on Preston's high street, and continued uncertainty over Brexit, will not deter him from a possible return to business in the future.

"I think the next 24 months might be a struggle as the economy will need to repair itself, although many friends within the sector have confirmed that people have started spending again.

"It’s incredibly difficult to know, but high street trade in general is tough for everyone now due to online retail."

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