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What does Westfield mean for Indies?
Listed under: News
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
As Westfield opens its second London shopping centre today in Stratford, one craft retailer has spoken of his concern that the giant mall will damage independents' business.
Robb Myers, owner of Sew Amazing, which sells sewing machines, haberdashery, ribbon, wool and knitting needles told the Financial Times he fears shoppers looking for sewing machines may prefer to head to the new 260,000 sq ft John Lewis opening today.
Robb's father Alfred Myers started Sew Amazing in Stoke Newington in 1947, servicing and selling sewing machines for East End clothing factories. Robb moved the store to Bow in 2000, just one underground stop or quick bus ride from the new Westfield store.
John Lewis has seen sales in its haberdashery department rise year-on-year since 2008, and has become a destination of choice for the new wave of home décor and dressmaking fans. “I'm not terrified about it, [but] I'm not happy about it,” he told the paper.
It's thought that indies in the high streets of Ilford, Romford and Stratford will be affected by the opening, with local shoppers saving their big 'blow out' shopping sprees for the mega centre.
Robb's father Alfred Myers started Sew Amazing in Stoke Newington in 1947, servicing and selling sewing machines for East End clothing factories. Robb moved the store to Bow in 2000, just one underground stop or quick bus ride from the new Westfield store.
John Lewis has seen sales in its haberdashery department rise year-on-year since 2008, and has become a destination of choice for the new wave of home décor and dressmaking fans. “I'm not terrified about it, [but] I'm not happy about it,” he told the paper.
It's thought that indies in the high streets of Ilford, Romford and Stratford will be affected by the opening, with local shoppers saving their big 'blow out' shopping sprees for the mega centre.
