He cites changes in the trade as the reason for his decision to close the Surrey Great Grooms, with difficult retail trading conditions in recent years, especially since 9/11. Lack of export sales to America, the adverse dollar exchange rate, the move away from antiques to minimalism and increasing bureaucracy and taxes are among the specifics Mr Podger mentions as forcing his hand.
“Our decision to consolidate in Hungerford means we can both protect our market share and capitalise on the quality brand and customer following we have built during the past 14 years,” he says.
The entrepreneur launched his Great Grooms venture 14 years ago with a centre in Billingshurst, West Sussex with the idea of a chain of smart, well-run such centres throughout the country. The Billingshurst centre closed in 2002 due to a loss of trade through the opening of a bypass.
Great Grooms Dorking will be sold as a going concern hopefully by the end of this year. In the meantime the centre will be run as normal.
By David Moss
Great Grooms shuts up shop in Dorking
JAMES Podger is to close his Great Grooms antiques centre at Dorking and concentrate all his efforts and resources on consolidating his Great Grooms centre at Hungerford, Berkshire.
