The Trago Mills department stores has signalled a period of uncertainty for its Falmouth branch, citing rising costs and dwindling sales that have resulted in six-figure losses. Management confirmed on Wednesday that discussions with staff were underway as the future of the store was reviewed.
The situation has prompted reflections on the wider challenges facing high street retail. Cornwall Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Brown said: “The cost of doing business is becoming unbearable” and expressed sympathy for Trago staff whose positions are under consideration.
Falmouth town manager Richard Gates echoed concerns about the pressures on local shops, urging residents to support businesses in the town centre. “People can do so much in terms of making sure the numbers add up but if it is too tough then tough decisions have to be made,” he said. Mr Gates described Trago Mills on Arwenack Street as “an anchor” for the area but acknowledged that costs for businesses have “gone through the roof”.
Mr Brown added that shoppers are increasingly cautious with their spending and are taking advantage of online deals, which he said are “decimating some of the high street options”. “We have to restimulate the economy and that starts by creating positive conditions for growth,” he explained.
Trago Mills said the combination of high energy bills, taxation, and at best, flat sales had brought the Falmouth store to a point where the business “cannot continue to absorb the Falmouth store’s losses any longer”. A thorough review is underway as the company seeks “an amenable solution” for staff and operations.
