YOUR VIEWS: What does Schuh shop closure at Eastgate Centre say about Inverness city centre?

Footwear store Schuh has closed its branch at the Eastgate Shopping Centre. It comes after the chain opened a branch at the Inverness Retail Park last year.

“Clearly remember them saying that they won’t close this one in town just because opened at retail park! Funny how it’s changed. Retail park one isn’t as good for the stock.” – Karen Shane

“Eastgate needs to reduce the rent. I go to the retail parks and no parking charges and the shops are much better. M&S and Primark need to follow.” – Rebekah Guthrie

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“Very sad. There are solutions to keep these places alive and it involves inviting big chain stores with free rent deals for a period of time. With big chain stores it attracts more footfall and money in the car park meter and this extra foot fall will flow into the other independent stores. It does sound unfair to the small businesses but they’d benefit of the extra cash in the till at the end of the day.” – David MacKay MacLean

“I’m sure rates could help but at the end of the day it’s a flimsy business model which is built on rates alone. Pressure from retail parks and in particular online is the real issue.” – David Jack

“Rent too high, pay for parking in town or get it for free at the retail park, town centre will be no more in years to come.” – Mark Donald

“A combination of high rent prices and I recall the prices in that shop were very expensive. There were other cheaper places to get shoes.” – Daniel Clunas

“Because most day to day products are bought online now…. The high street needs to adapt with more locally owned shops selling unique goods that can’t be bought elsewhere.” – Alan Hogan

“Basically the town centre is moving. Moving out towards the retail park. “Whole shift of actual retail and the rest will be history.” – Sam West

“Unfortunately the days of shopping in city centres is over. I’ve not been in town or the Eastgate centre during the day for years, just too much hassle and too expensive.” – Ken Roberts

“Why would anyone want to go to Eastgate when there’s free parking at retail park and nearly as many shops as Eastgate have nowadays.” – Morag Macdonald

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