DESPITE two Rams Walk retailers going into administration, ‘cautious optimism’ is the phrase being used to describe Petersfield’s recovery from the pandemic fall-out.
East Hampshire District Council paid more than £30m for the town-centre shopping mall and says interest is always shown in any vacant outlets in the precinct.
The council’s director for regeneration and place Simon Jenkins said: “A couple of Rams Walk retailers are in administration.
“But it’s looking positive for re-letting the units, with a couple of hospitality businesses showing an interest.
“I think we would say there is cautious optimism about the recovery.”
But the town isn’t out of the woods yet, believes council leader Richard Millard.
He said: “There are already wage and staff issues in the hospitality industry.
“And there are supply and rising-cost problems with goods coming from China.
“Food prices are noticeably up, so we have to be cautious.
“And the pandemic has changed the way people are buying – for example, online clothes shopping appear to have really taken off and is an issue for shop-based retailers.
“But it’ll be a tough time when the furlough ends in September, so will be looking at October for a fuller picture of how the recovery is going.”
However, on the ‘definite’ plus side, the town centre is busy.
Cllr Millard added: “People are glad to be back out in the towns.
“And in the main, they seem quite understanding of the price rises.
“But we have to be cautious – Covid numbers could skyrocket.”
Council deputy council leader Julie Butler added: “People’s priorities are different to 18 months ago, I think – they have shifted.
“Activities like crafting have taken off, shooting through the roof, and shops like Sew Creative in Lavant Street always seem very busy.”
She also said a couple of empty shops in The Square had been so since before the pandemic.
The council said it was too early to name the hospitality businesses interested in moving into Rams Walk, and that other businesses were also interested in the units.