Businesses have seen sales drop to as low as 50 per cent in the last six weeks after the shopping centre entrance was closed
Traders are reporting a concerning loss of foot traffic (Image: Google)
The closure of a Derbion entrance has seen one of the city centre’s busiest streets become a “ghost town” – with traders seeing huge drops in trade over Christmas.
It comes after traders along Albion Street in Derby city centre said there was a “serious risk” that businesses could close following the temporary closure.
The entrance was covered by hoardings and fencing on Friday, November 16, “without notice” according to businesses, and shoppers have been unable to use it since.
According to traders such as Kevin Murray, who opened the Olive Tree Cafe in Albion Street back in 2020 and has owned businesses “all across town”, including the Acropolis Cafe in the Market Place, says footfall and trade have been down ever since the entrance was closed.
He said: “We’re about 40 per cent down from what we took during this time last year, but we’ve only managed to reach that figure through bookings we already had, as well as our line of regulars, who have continued to support us.
“But the real problem starts now: January, February, March and April. If I can get through these months, we’ll be fine, but it will be a huge challenge.
“Two shops have already closed – the greengrocers and a temporary stall that closed straight away.
“There is no foot traffic at all. None whatsoever. It’s gone from being the busiest thoroughfare to being one of the quietest streets.
“It’s just taken all the people away from us, all the people who might have previously come in and offered business. We’re completely left on our own. All we can rely on is the people who know who we are, but there’s no way of getting new customers at all.”
Back in November, Derbion apologised for any disruption caused by the closure, adding that it was a “necessary step to safely prepare for the arrival of Primark”.
In response, Kevin said: “It’s nonsense. They’ve never been near a small shop in their lives.
“What’s a dozen small businesses compared to a multimillion-pound deal from a business like Primark? Derbion doesn’t care, neither does the council.
“And we’ve not even seen them doing any work at all, so it could have been open all this time throughout Christmas, and it could’ve worked, but instead we’re already down.
“Businesses are just doing what they can to survive until 2027. But it’s a long time, and I’m not sure every one of us will survive.”
Sahil Kumar works at Mobile Tech on Albion Street, and says trade has been “very bad” since November, adding that they’ve only seen around half their usual trade.
“It’s been very bad, a really difficult time for us,” Sahil said.
“More than 50 per cent of our sales have dropped in the last six weeks. There has been no foot traffic whatsoever. The only trade we’ve had is from online and Facebook advertising.
“It’s nearly zero [the number of people walking along the street]. There is nobody on the road throughout the day. I’ve been working here for a few years, and I have never seen it this quiet.
“It is usually a very busy street, but the recent trade has been terrible. And it’s the same with other businesses as well. We are worried about the future. We don’t know how long we will be able to continue.”
As well as a broad range of shops, Albion Street also offers entertainment, including a hatchet-throwing experience and an adults-only crazy golf venue.
Helen-Marie Shepherd-Bell is the sales and operations manager at Hatchet Harry’s in Albion Street, and says the closure of the Albion Street entrance is a “Catch-22 situation”.
“Walking through the city centre over Christmas, the streets, and especially the shopping centre, have been packed often body to body, but when I turn onto Albion Street, it is like a ghost town,” said Helen-Marie.
“Hatchet Harry’s is fortunate enough to have pre-bookings, and where possible, we have tried to encourage our guests to visit the other vendors on the street. But often on the weekdays we’re open later, from 4.30pm to 9.30pm.
“It’s really a Catch-22 situation, because Albion Street is silent as the grave and trade is hugely affected. But what’s the point in moving?
“Because when Primark opens, it’ll be the busiest street in Derby. I think we’re all just trying to survive until it opens.
“I encourage Derby locals and visitors to think of Albion Street as a destination area. We have entertainment, dining and shopping. Give us a chance and take a wander up Albion Street.”
Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, said: “We appreciate that some retailers and shoppers have been impacted by the closure of the entrance to Derbion on Albion Street throughout the festive period, and we apologise for any disruption caused.
“While the temporary closure is inconvenient, it is a necessary step to safely prepare for the arrival of Primark.
“While the work is under way, the next closest entrance to the centre is on East Street, which remains open as usual.
“We will continue to work with Derby City Council and the local BIDs to keep shoppers and the community updated as the work progresses.”
A spokesperson for Derby City Council added: “We recognise the significant concerns that business owners have regarding the impact of this closure on footfall and trade during the busy festive season.
“As the council does not own the properties, we have no influence over tenants’ rents. We would encourage those affected to speak with their individual landlords to discuss the impact and potential solutions.”
