Letter to the editor: I am the proprietor of St George’s Flowers in the St George’s shopping centre, Gravesend.
I have owned the flower stall in the centre for six years and my family have run the business from 2007 to 2012, and now again from August this year.
I was saddened to read the detrimental comments towards the centre and Gravesend made by Julia Lomax from her own experience of being in the there and her time running St George’s Flowers (Marks packs up and quits town, October 1).
From her comments, Julia, on being made aware that Marks and Spencer was leaving Gravesend, made a decision to leave St George’s Flowers and prompted her not to come back to Gravesend again.
No town likes to see a big brand store like Marks and Spencer close, but from my own experience the effect of the Marks closure has no effect on business.
In fact, in my family’s short time back working, St George’s Flowers’ business is increasing both from old customers returning and acquiring new ones.
The centre still remains busy with plenty of people coming in there to use shops and facilities in Gravesend.
The St George’s Centre still remains an important part of Gravesend’s retail sector, with the existing shops providing part of the growth that Gravesend needs.
The closure of Marks and Spencer will soon be forgotten. I feel sure that with the position and location of the old Marks and Spencer store it will soon be filled with another big brand.
GEORGE BUTTON, Gravesend
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