Shoppers in Bridlesmith Gate have spoken out about what they’d like to see replace the Cath Kidston store. Some shoppers pointed out that the future of the high street looks unpromising as online retailers take over.
In 2020, Cath Kidston announced that all 60 stores across the UK would face permanent closure. On the website, Rightmove the store on Bridlesmith Gate can be seen as up for sale.
Nottingham shoppers have spoken out about what they’d like to see next on Bridlesmith Gate.
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Imogen Hall, 22-years-old is a student who lives in Lenton. Originally from Birmingham, the student walks through Bridlesmith Gate regularly and said: “I like it around here, I bet when it was open, Cath Kidston did really well. I think that here has potential for another coffee shop., I know Caffe Nero is there but maybe something that’s independent. If not, then maybe a clothes shop or another Lush store.”
With the closure of many stores in recent years including the department store, Debenhams, shoppers have pointed out in years to come, the high street may have even more closures. James Davidson, 66-years-old and a civil servant from Wollaton thinks that whatever is replaced with Cath Kidston won’t last long.
He said: “The high street, and not just in Nottingham, is looking bleak. Whatever replaces Cath Kidston unfortunately probably won’t last long either. I like physically going into a store and looking around, even talking to staff. It's an afternoon out but you can’t do that if there’s nowhere for you to go.
“I never shopped in Cath Kidston but I’d like to see many a bike shop or another book shop, something practical. There are already clothes shops down here, not that I’m against another one.”
Mary Gordon, 70, retired and from the Meadows, remembers the store. She said: “I use to go in quite a lot. Cath Kidston was a good place for presents and they did lovely bits. I have a satchel from there which I love. It's strong and sturdy. I’m not very good with online. I like stationary shops and bookshops so I’d like to see something like that here.”
In 2020, Melinda Paraie, chief executive officer of Cath Kidston, said: “While we are pleased that the future of Cath Kidston has been secured, this is obviously an extremely difficult day as we say goodbye to many colleagues.
“Despite our very best efforts, against the backdrop of Covid-19, we were unable to secure a solvent sale of the business which would have allowed us to avoid administration and carry on trading in our current form.
“I would like to thank all our employees for their hard work, loyalty and patience over the last few weeks as we worked through this process.”
