A Cumbria pet shop that has been trading for 45 years is closing down.
Tony Pieri, owner of Nu-Pets, in Carlisle, told the News & Star: “Having reviewed the latest trading accounts and the continued decline in sales, we have sadly concluded, after 45 years of trading that the business is no longer viable and must close.”
Tony, who runs the business with his son, Ricky, said: “We have had to stand by and watch the slow decline of the high street – obvious by the dozens of empty shops.”
He said changes to parking on Lowther Street – from a disc zone to pay and display parking – several years ago had also added to his worries.
Only this month, pbwnews reported on an East Devon retailer fighting the introduction of pay-and-display parking in Sidmouth.
FREE PARKING
“It’s not easy to find free parking,” said Tony. “Locals are reluctant to have to pay £1 to park their car to come into our shop for a 50p bag of bird seed.”
“It’s obvious that Carlisle city centre shopping is in decline as it is in most other towns and cities. The best way to encourage people back is free parking.”
Carlisle City Council recently introduced a free after-3pm scheme on some of its car parks to encourage people into the city centre.
Tony told the News & Star his shop would continue trading until early next year in order to sell off stock, fixtures and fittings.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those customers who have supported Nu-Pets over many years of trading,” he said.
