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“We are very disappointed to be leaving Margate after 27 years”, said property director Neil Hinds.
“The steady decline of trade in the town over the past decade or so has finally made the shop unviable and we recently decided that it was not possible to continue”.
He added, “It is especially disappointing to have to leave as we have been expanding as a company nationally and opening more branches in a variety of locations despite the downturn.
“We believe Westwood Cross has been a factor in Margate’s decline as a shopping destination; however we have found Ramsgate to be more resilient than Margate and our branch there continues to prosper.”
One member of staff has already transferred to another F. Hinds’ branch; three full time and two part time staff are currently exploring their transfer options but could be made redundant.
The Ramsgate store is larger with a wider selection of jewellery, watches and gifts than the Margate shop and the company plans to concentrate its efforts there in support of its many loyal customers.
“We have had a shop in Thanet since 1947 and expect to offer the choice, value and service that our customers here and elsewhere have come to expect for many years to come.”
