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Most days I walk on [tag]Exeter High Street[/tag] and amazed at the transformation of the past few years, we have the new [tag]Princesshay[/tag] Shopping area, better pedestrian walkways on the High Street as two glaring positives. The influx of new retailers has really put Exeter onto the retail map, most recently Disney opening a store within Princesshay.
Within these positives though there have been some glaring negatives, new developments have seemed to ‘suck’ retailers from other areas of the City, in particular Gandy Street once seen as the ‘trendy’ part of town has taken a hit and as the image above shows even the High Street isnt immune.
Of these four boarded up stores just across from Princesshay, two have moved into Princesshay, and the other two have simply shut up shop. Undoubtley the Uk recession has played its part in these decisions, what with incentives to move and/or rent agreements that do not take account of market and general trading conditons it is to be expected.
I think the interesting think will be how Exeter graples with this, a few years ago it was the most boring high street for its clone shops and no great character, hopefully the clearing of spaces will see new and exciting retailers bring some va va voom to our High Street, it is a great opportunity which will be a shame if missed.
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