Local business owners welcome Superdrug to Guernsey
Superdrug's arrival in Guernsey has been met with optimism by two local business owners, who see the move as a boost for the island's retail scene.Independent high street retailers said big brands opening shops in Guernsey such as Boots, Claire's and Superdry could be good for business.Health and cosmetic store Superdrug was the latest to open in the island, at the former Smith Street post office in St Peter Port. Natalia Sylvester, owner of several local businesses including Crêpe Maison, and Nick Martel, owner of Avant Garden, believed a balance between local and national stores was key to a thriving high street.
'Fabulous' shop
Ms Sylvester said: "It brings people to town and gives opportunity to smaller businesses who trade around to get that customer space as well."The building where Superdrug was located closed as a post office about 16 years ago and since then had been used as a pound shop and also a pop-up charity shop.Mr Martel echoed the sentiment, praising Superdrug's new store."I went in there this morning for the first time, and the shop is fabulous," he said. "They've got staff behind the counters and on the shop floor, which some of the other big shops don't. "I thought, wow, absolutely amazing."
Superdrug is a 60-year-old business with more than 750 stores across the UK, as well as a shop in Jersey.Mr Martel also noted that increased foot traffic from both tourists and national retailers benefited his business."Not everybody is our customer, but the more people that come through the town and see us, brilliant," he said. He's also optimistic about the future, particularly with new travel links between Guernsey and Jersey. "People flying into Jersey might now pop to Guernsey for the day. That's amazing."
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The Independent
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