The reason I have closed our much-loved shopfront in Wayfarer’s Arcade is simply because my shop is no longer profitable. In fact, having to pay the high rents meant losing money each day since January this year (2018) and sadly, it was time to call an end to trading from this location.

There are several factors that have caused this downturn in business but the main one being that a succession of independent mobile phone shops recently have just sprung up out of nowhere offering fierce competition.

We don’t have a problem with competition. Our reputation, knowledge & service speak for themselves but Landlords are happy to have these businesses in on little or no rent to fill an otherwise un-lettable shop premise, simply so the landlord does not have the responsibility of paying council tax on the empty unit.

It’s a win win situation for the landlord and retailer meaning that the prices of goods and service can well undercut mine by operating in a ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ style of business.

Other reasons  for closing are governed by a general downturn in retail trade generally (ever reducing footfall) and an ever-increasing internet shopping presence that shows no signs of coming back to the high street.

I now operate on a mobile basis and pick up & drop off at my customers’ convenience and have all the facilities of my shop and access to mobile phones, accessories, unlocking etc. The repairs and screen replacements will happen promptly in exactly the same manner as previously with a team of engineers to support when necessary.

Unfortunately, I was not able to transfer my shop number to my Southport workshop but I can be contacted anytime  on 07947472846 or via Facebook searching for Rupert Paton. Do not hesitate to ring for anything you would have expected from my shop. Thank You!