24/04/2025
Well, today the sun is shining here in Cardigan, quite a few people around but not exceptionally busy which is par for the course. Sitting here flicking through FB, I'm noticing a worrying trend cropping up more and more around the town. Far be it from me to tell anyone not to follow their entrepreneurial urges but what I would say is not at the cost of other businesses.
Healthy competition is good for shoppers, gives them choice especially if goods are on a like for like basis, but in a small town like Cardigan there are only so many customers and just so much cash.
To see so many "Pop Up" shops appearing doesn't fill me with joy sadly, especially when I see these start ups selling products that are already being sold by established retailers who are going through a tough enough time as it is. Thankfully, I am not talking about my shop being imitated but others are going to be affected directly. Unlike retail shops, these pop ups multi use, shared space or whatever they are called now don't face the same costs so already an uneven playing field. It costs a lot to.open the doors of a shop everyday before one sale is made, customers don't care so much they just want shops open, but retailers do.
I would advise anyone thinking of going into business to do.your homework first. What is the point of opening something selling the same as someone near by? The established business will have the edge and the customer base, so you are facing an uphill struggle from the start and unless you have some unique selling point to lure trade away customers remain loyal. Then on the flip side, is it ethical to.put food on your table whilst taking it off someone else's? When one or both, you and your competitor goes out of business there are no winners.
By all means follow your dreams, become a retailer, but do it with a.product or products that give you a chance of building a long lasting and sustainable business.
Just saying.
