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Down the dimly lit and depressing Brackla Street arcade, Dragons Indoor Market remains one of only two occupied shopping units. Not for long, however, as low footfall, spiralling business rates and lack of financial security will mean by Christmas, the entire centre in Bridgend will consist of empty shop fronts.
Filled with artisan crafts and local produce, shop owner Kim Whitehouse is despondent. Her shop initially thrived when she opened it 18 months ago, but the closure of Poundland, Iceland and Wilko’s in the town centre has reduced her customers to “zero”, and she has decided to close.
“I know that a lot of locals are not happy that so much has shut down and there’s so little in town. Everything that’s opened has been a vape shop or a barbershop. There’s not much chance or support for small businesses to start up around here,” she said.
open image in gallery An empty shopping arcade in Bridgend as businesses struggle to stay afloat ( The Independent )
It is impossible not to notice the dismal state of shopfronts in the south Wales t
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