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Retailers Sceptical of Positive News
Listed under: News
Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Craft shop owners across the UK have expressed doubts about a recent report revealing that the number of businesses going bust fell significantly in June, suggesting that the rate of insolvencies within the art and craft market may even have risen over the last few months.
The findings, from research company Experian, claim that approximately 1,771 companies were forced to close last month – down 13% from June 2009 when a staggering 2,944 businesses became insolvent.
However, retailers have been critical of the findings, claiming that the statistics don't appear to reflect their experiences of the industry over the past couple of months.
“I am certainly quite surprised to be told that the number of businesses closing has fallen during the last month,” says Suzanne Miller, co-director of Millers Art Shop in Glasgow. “In fact, from what I have seen and heard lately, I would say there have been more closures than openings, particularly in Scotland, where we have seen quite a few local companies forced to shut.
“Fortunately, we have been able to keep our heads above water so far, but it's been very difficult and I don't think the UK is out of the mill just yet,” she adds. “Of course, it's always nice to hear positive reports, but I find it very difficult to believe that things have been as great as these statistics suggest and I think we are still in for some very tough times ahead.”
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The findings, from research company Experian, claim that approximately 1,771 companies were forced to close last month – down 13% from June 2009 when a staggering 2,944 businesses became insolvent.
However, retailers have been critical of the findings, claiming that the statistics don't appear to reflect their experiences of the industry over the past couple of months.
“I am certainly quite surprised to be told that the number of businesses closing has fallen during the last month,” says Suzanne Miller, co-director of Millers Art Shop in Glasgow. “In fact, from what I have seen and heard lately, I would say there have been more closures than openings, particularly in Scotland, where we have seen quite a few local companies forced to shut.
“Fortunately, we have been able to keep our heads above water so far, but it's been very difficult and I don't think the UK is out of the mill just yet,” she adds. “Of course, it's always nice to hear positive reports, but I find it very difficult to believe that things have been as great as these statistics suggest and I think we are still in for some very tough times ahead.”
What do you think? Email your thoughts to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
