Family-run toy shop closes after 40 years

A long-standing independent toy shop is closing down, with its owner blaming the "empty" high street.

Family-run Kerrison Toys has traded in King Street in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, for 40 years.

Steve Kerrison said while its Norwich store was "thriving", its presence in the seaside town had been a struggle since Covid, with low footfall and big high street names disappearing in recent years.

"We're very, very, sad - we'd have loved to have stayed but it's just not viable anymore and it hasn't been for two or three years," he added.

"The two weeks before Christmas were OK, but the summer was hit and miss because people weren't coming to the town, there's nothing to drag them up here.

"The high street is pretty empty now, everything has gone out to Gapton [Hall retail park], or is no longer around at all.

"Trying to get customers up this end of the street is very difficult."

He said he had considered moving to another shop, but believed the problem was trading in Great Yarmouth generally.

The high street has lost Marks & Spencer, department store Palmers, BHS and Debenhams in recent years, with some national retailers, including JD Sports and New Look, now based within Market Gates Shopping Centre.

"The council have probably quite rightly concentrated on the seafront and got everything right there and they've spent a lot of money on the market," added Mr Kerrison.

"Town centres need to be supported more.

"We've all got extra costs this year, with national insurance contributions and the minimum wage and rate relief disappearing.

"It will be interesting to see how the high street fares."

The shop ceases trading at 16:00 GMT on Saturday.

Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership was approached for comment.

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