Coundon shop owner forced to close by 'astronomical' rent

[dutchman]

A businessman says he will close his shop today and return to car boot sales after an ‘‘astronomical’’ rent rise.

Junk City, a second-hand furniture shop in Coundon, was only opened in its current premises three months ago.

But owner Dave Gibbons will cease trading later today due to a rent increase of an extra £80 per week.

The rent hike by a private landlord will see him return to selling his furniture at car boot sales in a bitter blow to the aspiring businessman’s confidence.

He had dreamed of owning his own shop for years and had high hopes for his Moseley Avenue store.

The 41-year-old said: “The letting agent told me last Monday that the premises owner was going to increase my rent from £275 per week to £355 per week.

“It came as a shock. I was left completely bemused and couldn’t get my head around it.

“I knew there was nothing the letting agent could do about it and I haven’t been able to contact the owner directly.

“It’s astronomical amount, one I can’t afford and that’s why I’m having to close.”

The former removals worker started up the business after successfully selling second-hand goods at car boot sales for 10 years.

And Dave plans to once again pitch up his stall at the AT7 centre where a car boot sale is held every fortnight.

He will also return to his former job in furniture removals.

“It feels like a big kick in the teeth,” he said. “I feel like it will be taking a major step backwards.”

He originally opened Junk City in a shop at the end of Moseley Avenue, but accepted the offer of another shop in the middle of the street.

He opened it for trade on June 6 believing the new site would offer more sale opportunities.

Dave said: “I accepted it because it was a much bigger site with a bigger frontage.

“I’m gutted and devastated about it, to be honest.

“It’s a huge shame because there aren’t many other second hand furniture shops in the city like it.

“I had a great customer base and all the other traders loved me because I was bringing more business to the area.

“They’re all gutted the shop is shutting too. It was my first shop and it was doing well.

“I could see myself trading there for many years to come.

“I might think about opening elsewhere in the city in the future but it’s put me off for now.”

[StevieG]

The price of success

[rebbonk]

I personally know this guy, I feel for him.