Fears Coneys closure could be ‘final nail in the coffin’ for Spalding town centre
It is feared that the closure of Coney’s department store could be the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for Spalding town centre.
The flagship store ceased trading on Monday, director Scott Crowson citing rising costs and a decline in sales.
The news was met with sadness by independent traders in the town, some of whom rely on stores like Coneys to encourage shoppers into the area.
“I just think it’s a really huge blow for the town,” said Sue Stubley, who runs Occasions Jewellers in Bridge Street.
“It could be the final nail in the coffin. It was the only high end store that sold clothes, perfume, cosmetics. It will be really missed.
“It was one of the main shops that brought people to the town.”
Bill Elderkin, of Elderkin & Son Gunmakers, which is located next door to Coneys, described the news as ‘out of the blue’.
“The problem is we’re not getting the footfall coming in to town,” he added.
“We’re the oldest shop in town and a niche market. But the days of going to the bank, butcher and grocer have mostly gone.”
Mr Edlerkin was also full of praise for Mr Crowson’s attempts to modernise the store – including re-opening the cafe and introducing a prosecco bar – after taking over the site from Hills in 2020
“Scott knows his stuff and gave it a really good go, it'll be a really big loss for the town,” he added.
Jo Frier runs a jewellery stall on Splading market, and had bought a dress from Coneys as recently as Saturday.
She was sad to see the department store closed, but hopes other stores can keep visitors coming to the town.
“I was suprised that they did manage to keep running,” she said.
“But it’s really truly sad to see it go.
“I think it’s the banks that keep people coming into town, we’re lucky to have the banks here.”
Steve Mason runs Masons Models on New Road.
“It’s come as a big surprise,” he said.
“Of course, we want a healthy town centre, who doesn’t?
“Unfortunately, the thing is the public are not comning in to town.”
