Wedding business latest to go in Marlow (From Bucks Free Press)

Wedding business latest to go in Marlow but new shops begin to move in

12:30pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Luciana O'Shea & James Nadal

The Wedding Centre, which has been in Marlow for 21 years, has become the latest business to shut down in the town.

The Little Marlow Road business joins shops such as coffee shop Aroma in the town centre on the closed list.

Aroma had not long ago taken over from previous occupier Loaf.

Spittal Street has begun looking deserted with Mekong, a takeaway and Marlow Flooring all closing as a result of the buildings being refurbished, rather than financial reasons.

The latter firm has moved to Holyport.

Living In Store on West Street and Fenwright Manson, a clothes retailer, are others which have closed lately.

However, new businesses are taking the place of those leaving.

A sign has gone up saying the freehold of the wedding shop has been sold.

Prezzo is taking over the old Chez Gerrard in the High Street and a stationers is coming into the premise vacated by Clintons. A 'to let' sign has gone up at Barbara Easton in West Street. A new bar is set to move into the old Lloyds bank site before Christmas.

Artisan grocer Gather and Hunt has moved into the High Street and Bennetton is reopening in Liston Court today.

A message on the The Wedding Centre's website confirmed it has closed and said: "We would like to thank all our brides and grooms for their support over the past 21 years."

It had not been possible to reach the owners this week for further comment.

Richard Wilson, manager at Alfred the Grape’s, said he could count at least another three similar unsuccessful businesses on the same location as Aroma during the past two years.

Emma Wilson, owner of Mooch on Crown Lane, said: "I was not surprised to see another coffee shop closing down. I think it is just the wrong type of business for a place with a lease of £3,000 a month. It is just too much to make just off coffees."

Agents John Nash & Co. revealed many enquiries have been made since the coffee shop went on the market three weeks ago and but no one has put an application forward yet.

They confirmed the 12-month lease for the propriety remains at £36,000 including VAT.

Marlow Chamber of Trade President Annie Mulady said: "We are always incredibly disappointed when businesses close in the town."

She was unaware of the reasons for The Wedding Centre shutting but acknowledged retailers are struggling in the current economic climate.

She said: "However, Marlow is still fairing well in comparison with some of our neighbouring towns who have a far higher number of empty premises."