A leisure supplies and clothing shop in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea is set to close in June, its owners have said this week.
AOB in College Street is to shut on June 25th and is currently running a closing down sale, with up to 40% off its stock of camping, fishing and outdoor activity items, plus fixtures and fittings.
“It is very sad to be leaving after four years of business, but the bottom line is that we just cannot afford to stay any longer with trade so quiet,” said Nigel Pearcy, pictured, who runs the store with his wife Linda.
“We believe a lack of signage promoting shops at this end of town is hurting businesses. We have seen at least five businesses go over the last year – a bank, a building society, a pet shop, a fruit and veg shop, and an estate agent.”
“The Walking Company also closed recently in the High Street, but it didn’t help us by adding more competition in the local leisure supplies market.”
“We thank our loyal customers who have come along over the years – we are grateful to those who have supported us.”
“That said, we do feel that the council could be helping small businesses more. Why spend money on heart-shaped cycle racks in the town centre, when it’s signs promoting shops and businesses that are needed.”
He added that Bees Flower Emporium, which is also based at AOB, will be continuing to operate as a mobile business, reachable via its website. Linda says she also tried to get new signs erected at the northern end of town.
Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Town lobbying the Town Council for improved signage to help businesses, alongside other activities to promote Burnham’s shops which include the publication of a new edition of the town’s shoppers guide.
