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22
Aug 2020
Hoopers store warns: 'Harrogate is not bulletproof anymore'
Hoopers has warned that the store is not sustainable in its current form and that Harrogate's retail sector is "not bulletproof anymore".
The department store's general manager, Nick Hubbert, has spoken openly about its financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus pandemic for the first time.
He said that the way they have to operate under social distancing rules means that it is not able to make enough sales.
Hoopers' struggle in numbers
- Trading is down 50% on the year
- Only able to use 50% of the space
- Staffing levels at 40%
Mr Hubbert told the Stray Ferret that he has concerns about the furlough scheme coming to an end:
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Mr Hubbert has also weighed into the pedestrianisation debate on James Street with the general manager writing a strongly worded letter to Harrogate Borough Council.
James Street could be temporarily closed to traffic as early as next month after Harrogate Borough Council requested the measures.
Mr Hubbert does not believe that the temporary pedestrianisation of James Street will help businesses and said he is basing that on years of experience:
He added that he is not against pedestrianisation long term but he does not think that the middle of a pandemic is the right time to change things:
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