Latest news with #SouthwoldBooks
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
All chains are BANNED in our posh English seaside village except for single high street giant – but under a strict rule
A PICTURESQUE seaside spot in Suffolk is championing independent brands and shops in an attempt to save small businesses. Southwold, which has earned itself the nickname Chelsea-On-Sea, has rejected high street giants like Costa Coffee and Burger King from stripping individuality from the town. 3 3 With the backing of local councils and strong community support, the town has resisted the encroachment of corporate franchises in favour of preserving it's small-town character. Waterstones was an exception to the rule and was given the green light to open, under one condition: it changed its name. The store agreed to run its business under the name of the former establishment, Southwold Books'. This commitment is more than aesthetic — it's economic and cultural. By discouraging chain stores from its high street, Southwold has created space for independent shops, cafés, and artisans to thrive. These local enterprises often source goods regionally, invest profits back into the community, and contribute to a slower, more personal style of commerce that's increasingly rare in modern retail environments. Guy Mitchell, Chair of the Southwold & District Chamber of Trade, told East Anglian Daily Times: 'We're very proud that 84 percent of shops in Southwold are independent. "It's very important that local people and visitors … continue to support those traders.' Pete Hart, who owns Chapmans Newsagents, also told the paper: "This town is loved for the way it is and if we are not careful our high street will look like any other and will lose its charm and appeal.' Across the UK, independent and family-run businesses are facing an increasingly steep uphill battle. One of the biggest issues is the soaring cost of doing business. Many small shops are grappling with inflated rents, surging energy bills, and increased supplier costs. Unlike larger retailers, they lack the scale to negotiate better deals or absorb financial shocks. On top of that, business rates remain disproportionately high for small operators, often penalising them for occupying high street locations that are vital for visibility but increasingly unaffordable. The shift in consumer behaviour also poses a significant threat. Online shopping, which boomed during the pandemic, has become the norm for many customers who are drawn to the convenience of internet browsing. James Scott, owner of Prandium Cafe told Suffolk Business: "Running an independent shop in Southwold is extremely hard. "The rental of that property is £2,500 a month. Day visitors don't always understand that overheads are too high and think that local shops are ripping them off.' RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April. A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024. Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020." 3
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside 'posh' UK seaside town where chains are banned and you can't get a Costa
This idyllic coastal town boasts a high street brimming with independent shops and cafes that ooze exclusivity all set against the a picturesque golden sand beach. Southwold, in Suffolk, is often referred to as 'Chelsea-on-Sea' due to its exclusive atmosphere - and locals have worked hard to keep it that way, by banning big-name chains. This idyllic coastal town boasts a high street brimming with independent shops and cafés that ooze exclusivity, all set against a picturesque golden sand beach. It's earned its stripes as one of the most stylish villages in the UK, with a town council dedicated to preserving its charm by fending off fast food and high street chains like Costa and Waterstones. However, a compromise was reached with Waterstones, which was given the green light to open under the caveat that it would retain the moniker of its former incarnation, Southwold Books. Venturing through Southwold, you're greeted with an array of unique businesses, including the exquisite Amber Shop with its specialisation in amber jewellery complemented by an engaging museum. The local lighthouse, a magnificent structure erected in 1890, stands as one of the village's iconic landmarks, featuring a powerful 150-watt lamp that shines for 24 nautical miles. This historic beacon even offers tours thanks to the Adnams Brewery, much to the delight of visitors. Southwold Pier epitomises traditional British seaside pleasure, where model yacht regattas take place on its boating lake, continuing a Victorian-age legacy. At the pier's end, you'll stumble upon an eccentric assortment of coin-operated arcade machines, the brainchild of artist and engineer Tim Hunkin, with paddle steamers frequently seen mooring nearby. The Southwold Museum invites guests to delve into the town's rich heritage, displaying a variety of exhibits on its local and natural history. Southwold boasts a colourful past, with famed author George Orwell spending his formative years in the town during his adolescence and again in his 30s, penning some of his renowned works there. Like many seaside towns, Southwold's primary allure is its idyllic beach, boasting golden sands overlooked by charming, colourful beach huts. Despite some holidaymakers suggesting the town is losing its charm, it continues to draw a multitude of visitors captivated by its unique charm. For those keen to fully embrace the Southwold experience, a double room at the town's Amber House can be booked for approximately £85 per night.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Idyllic seaside town in UK that's so posh it's known as 'Chelsea-on-Sea'
Southwold in Suffolk is known as 'Chelsea-on-Sea' - it's a popular spot for holidaymakers and boasts a high street almost entirely populated by independent shops This charming Suffolk village is known for its exclusive atmosphere, with a high street almost entirely filled with independent shops and cafes. Often dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea, this scenic town is the perfect spot for those in search of unique shopping experiences and snug cafes, all set against the stunning backdrop of a beautiful beach and striking seaside landmarks. Southwold in Suffolk has gained a reputation as one of the UK's most upmarket towns. Its town council has consistently blocked attempts by chains such as Costa and Waterstones to set up shop here. However, Waterstones was eventually allowed to open, on the condition that it kept the name of its predecessor, Southwold Books. As a result, the town is primarily made up of independent businesses, ranging from quaint cafes to unique shops like the Amber Shop, which specialises in amber jewellery and even boasts an accompanying museum. Among the town's landmarks is its impressive lighthouse, built in 1890. It houses a rotating 150-watt lamp with a range of 24 nautical miles. Visitors can even take tours of the lighthouse, courtesy of the local Adnams Brewery, reports the Express. Southwold Pier is a hub of traditional seaside entertainment, with model yacht regattas regularly held on its boating pond, a tradition dating back to the Victorian era. At the end of the pier, you'll discover a quirky collection of coin-operated arcade machines, crafted by artist and engineer Tim Hunkin, with paddle steamers often docking nearby. The Southwold Museum offers visitors a chance to delve into the town's history, showcasing a variety of exhibits on its local and natural history. Southwold has a rich history, having been home to George Orwell during his formative years and again in his 30s, where he wrote some of his books. Like many coastal towns, Southwold's main attraction is its beach, featuring golden sands overlooked by charming colourful beach huts. Despite some tourists claiming the town is on the decline, it hasn't deterred many visitors who are still drawn to its charm. For those wishing to experience Southwold first-hand, a double room at Amber House can be booked for approximately £85 per night.
