Highstreets can't compete with the online world

Fashion retailers are struggling to make a living in Bournemouth town centre.

Work in Progress, a clothing business, has been open for 3 years and sells up-and-coming brands.

Callum Brazier - a shop assistant - said: “It’s the opposite of sustainable, the shop has been losing money.”

“I think all retailers are struggling as online shopping is getting bigger and bigger.”

Internet retailers have had their sales more than double over the past decade, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Many stores have switched to online purchasing, such as Topshop which now is a part of the ASOS online catalogue.

According to Statista, 17,145 stores closed throughout 2022 - which was a dramatic increase from 2021.

The owner of the shop is Keith McNicol whom also owns award-winning ‘Richmond Classics’ retailer.

Callum said: “Keith thought of closing Work-In-Progress last March but now he’s thinking December, if at all.”

Keith has targeted up-and-coming brands in the past such as Stussy but once they’ve gained traction they often go solo.

Frequency - another clothing boutique - is also struggling against the rise of online shopping.

Max Drayton said: “People come in and look around, but nine times out of ten, they’ll go online and find it cheaper.”

“In terms of business, it is not sustainable, the owner has this shop as well as two other businesses.”

“If this was his only form of income, he would struggle to make a living.”