The economy has had an effect on businesses in Wallisdown

Shop closures and changes to businesses in Wallisdown Bournemouth causes shop owners to worry the worst is not yet over in this time of economic failure.

Oddbins has closed on Wallisdown Road and other businesses have had to alter in response to the economic crisis, said Ashley Hanum, 39, owner of a second hand car business in Wallisdown. His business has suffered but he is trying to, he said: “Move with it as long as people still want to change their cars we give people what they want at the price they want.” The Internet has helped them reach out to people beyond Dorset, Mr Hanum said: “We just sold Gabby Logan a mini, we delivered to Richmond, London.”

Help the Aged charity shop, whose deputy manager is Tracy Bellchambers, 45, said that they thought that the shop would not be affected because their prices are cheaper than other retail shops. However it has she said, caused them to drop their prices and move stock that does not sell, to their other shops to hopefully increase sales.


Andrew Witt, the Estate Agency, is finding it a lot harder. Mr Witt, 33, says that they are doing 20-25% of the business that they should be doing. Mr Witt said: “We have gone from three members of staff down to one and a bit ‘cause of the times of market.” Although he may have thought about selling he said: “You couldn't give estate agencies away now, as a business, estate agencies are worthless.”

Nicola Greene, Councillor for Wallisdown, says that businesses are cautious. She said: “The council are pro-active where they can be” in relation to helping shops in Wallisdown during the economic crisis. John Western, 59, owner of a florist in Wallisdown says this is his most difficult time, passing trade has dropped, and people are buying from bigger shops like Sainsbury’s, not florists.

Where possible businesses in Wallisdown are managing, as Mr Hanum said, to evolve and get on. This sentiment is echoed by Ms Bellchambers who said: “We are keeping our head above water.”

(Written in November/December 2008)