Forum Topic

Shopping in Putney

I've been thinking about the number of empty shops in the High Street area recently and that it's likely that more will come (probably chains leaving the biggest gaps). That said, Upper and Lower Richmond Roads are both doing a bit better and I actually prefer the character of those two streets. What would you like to see appear that doesn't already exist or does exist but isn't quite right or is too small?....Part of the issue is the high rents of course, but that's the same story for every high street.

Adam ● 2271d12 Comments

We used to have a chemist (aka Pharmacy) on the Lower Richmond. It would be nice to have one of those back. Perhaps we could borrow one from the Upper Richmond Road?Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 2271d

On the LRR: A cheese shop/deli, something like Valentina in Sheen or an M. Moen & Sons on the Pavement at Clapham Common. Anything artisan and independent. I second a chemist and a post office would be good. We had one years ago and it's a pain to have to go to the awful one on URR or have to trudge/drive to Barnes.

Freddie Francis ● 2271d

Totally agree, chemist and Post Office desperately needed.  Also a hardware store or Maplins-like electrical place, both sorely missed.

Bunny Payne ● 2271d

btw, I'm talking about the LRR, I promise they would be very successful.

Bunny Payne ● 2271d

A really good chinese restaurant, like Royal China when it was at it's best.

Ed Robinson ● 2271d

M&S Food Hall.

Lisa Cottam ● 2271d

We have many really lovely independent cafes, restaurants and shops on the LRR, a lovely village atmosphere. Great pubs including the Half Moon with live music (not sure on situation now).  Spencer Arms right next to the Common with seating for all outside (drinking their booze or not).But we could do with a chemist and a hardware store.  Oh, and we have some great hairdressers and a wonderful beauty salon, The Magnolia Rooms, great facials, treatments, check out their website.  And much more, a really lovely local feeling.

Bunny Payne ● 2271d

Yes M and S Foodhall

Jane Carter ● 2271d

Thanks all for supporting local businessesYou’ll be pleased to know that whilst some of my retailer clients in central London are down 95 percent year on year, local independent retailers are the flavour.It’s been great to see with more people shopping locally due to not commuting into central London.In fact some local retailers whom it would not be fair to mention have had the best 3 months they’ve had in last 10 years.We have some excellent independents and many of my friends whom would not normally have eaten out at local cafes or shopped locally have now built relationships with local retailers and will support them going forward.Thanks all for you’re supportNick

Nick Gulliford ● 2270d

The effects of pavement widening and removal of street furniture clutter is beginning to become felt in a positive way, in my humble opinion. Shops are opening, the cinema is now operational, normality of a certain kind is beginning to re-establish itself, and with a degree of optimism I can see no reason why PHS may not rejuvenate itself as it has done consistently over the years I have lived here: when there used to be so many shoe shops others have taken residence, in turn those too replaced by next generation entrepreneurs opening differing outlets, in particular I have noticed several children shops opened responding to increase in the local birth rate, and thus the giddy round of generational change and renewal continues. Long may it remain so, and with some positivity PHS will continue to support the local community - please lets not have any talk of talking PHS down.

Clifford Cowell ● 2269d

Clifford , that’s correct. Carphone Warehouse have closed circa 400 stores nationwide not just Putney!!  Flight centre are closing everywhere including Oxford for example!! Ryness was a good independent retailer that unfortunately didn’t last Jigsaw have closed a large number of stores nationwideAccessorise did a CVA and closed huge numbers, not just Putney!Mobile and phone shops are popping up as the landlords are not rates exempt. Only retailers are rates exempt until April next year. Therefore landlords want to keep occupational void costs down as quick as they possibly can. I think you mentioned good kids clothing shops. You’re right there. We are extremely lucky to have Ben and Lola in the Exchange. Plus Jo Jo Maman, Gap Kids and also the H and M kids offer

Nick Gulliford ● 2269d

Passed by last night and was told it is reopening today

Jane Carter ● 2269d