Another shop is set to disappear from Wokingham town centre in the coming weeks.
Coast to Coast in Peach Street has revealed it will close its doors for the last time on June 15 after 17 years of trading in the town.
In an exclusive interview with Wokingham Today, owner Raj explained how his independent, family-run business has decided not to renew its lease with its private landlord, on the back of rising rates and a drop in footfall over the years.
The business, which has been described by its customers as a “treasure trove” and an “Aladdin’s Cave”, sold a wide variety of items that aren’t available anywhere else in the town.
It also provided Western Union money transfer services, which will continue until the business closes.
He urged customers to pop in to his shop during the final weeks, to say goodbye and pick up items while they still can.
Raj said: “Since Marks & Spencer left the town, things have changed.
“That brought people into town, and the number of office workers in Wokingham town centre has also declined – and with it the associated footfall.”
He also thanked his customers, and said: “The support we’ve had has been amazing.”
The business will be replaced by a “Wokingham Local” convenience store, which will be operated by separate owners, and has already applied to Wokingham borough council for a license to sell alcohol.
Previously the property at 39 Peach Street in the town centre was home to Prospect estate agency and TSB bank.
