The sad news has hit St Helens: another beloved town centre retailer, Wizzard, is closing its doors. This gift, card, and fancy dress store on Ormskirk Street has been a staple for many years, but its time has come to an end.
The closure of Wizzard follows a string of unfortunate events for St Helens' town centre. Sidewalk, a 40-year-old menswear store, has relocated to Warrington, and River Island has shut its doors as part of a national chain's cutbacks. It's a tough blow for the local community, especially with the added challenges faced by town centre businesses across the country.
But here's where it gets controversial: the rise of retail parks, with their free parking, has significantly impacted St Helens. With three such venues on the outskirts of the town centre, it's no wonder that footfall has decreased. The cost-of-living crisis and the shift towards online shopping have also played their part in this sad story.
A major regeneration project is in the works, led by St Helens Council and development partners, but its impact is still years away. In the meantime, business leaders and residents must navigate these challenging times.
Denise Briscoe, the owner of Wizzard, shared her thoughts with the Star in 2024. She joined the team at Wizzard Cards and Gifts in the late 1990s and has witnessed the town's transformation. She reminisced about the bustling days when the shop and the town were thriving, with packed shops and pubs.
"We were holding on before, but once Wilko left, it really felt like the life was sucked out of the town centre," Denise said. "Our loyal customers come from all over the North West, but they're mainly elderly and only visit once a month. We don't get many new faces, and the cost-of-living crisis, lack of shopping options, and anti-social behaviour have kept people away."
The impact of these factors on local businesses cannot be overstated. It's a complex issue, and one that deserves our attention and discussion. What do you think? Is there a way to revive the town centre and bring back the thriving atmosphere? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation!
