INTERNET sales and high rents in Chester have made it a tough retail market for small and independent shops, a retiring shop owner says.
Former Chamber of Commerce president, Tara Jade, is shutting the doors at designer boutique Jade after nine years trading on Eastgate Row.
Mrs Jade is considering opening a restaurant or cafe in the future, but says life on the high street is tough for small shops, especially in Chester's competitive market.
'Lots of independent shops in Chester have gone since I began and will go in the future. It is not always anything to do with Chester - we have internet shops now, and the supermarkets are taking over,' she said.
'I feel Chester could do more to encourage unique shops - it is what the city is known for.
'At the moment it is very hard for a new independent to get a lease - the letting agencies want a lot of trading history.'
Mrs Jade added the physical limitations of the historic city centre have a big impact on small shops with few resources.
'It is impossible to get a delivery after 9am, if you have an electricity problem you can't get anyone to sort it out until after 4pm when they can drive in.
'You have to be in before 8am to put your rubbish out for collection, if you miss that you then have rubbish bags in your shop all day.
'The city isn't wheelchair or pushchair friendly, let alone friendly for the women in high heels who would otherwise shop with me.
Chester City Council portfolio holder for economy, Cllr Reggie Jones, said the council is working on strategies to increase visitor footfall to the city so shops and businesses take advantage of increased spending in Chester.
He added: 'By 2015 we want Chester to be a boutique city - unique, historic, romantic - and small shops are a big part of that.'
