1:25pm Tuesday 2nd March 2010
BUSINESS leaders say trade in Wantage is on the way up after it was revealed every empty shop in the Market Place has been filled.
This time last year there were five empty premises as traders struggled to cope with the global economic crisis.
But the arrival of furniture retailer Cargo last week means every shop is now occupied and trading.
Cargo has taken over the former Woolworths store, creating 10 jobs.
Wantage Chamber of Commerce said it was “cautiously optimistic” about the town’s business economy.
Chairman John Naish said: “The arrival of Cargo is great for the town and good news for businesses.
“Wantage is doing well and it now means every store in the Market Place is full, which is of course a good sign.
“What is also very heartening is that another of the new businesses is a butcher’s, which is the type of store which would only launch in an area where there was a demand for independent traders.”
Mr Naish added: “I don’t think the problem was ever quite as bad as was painted.”
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