Harry’s Clothing Berwick: Retailer stands defiant and reopens despite fine threat
A Berwick clothing shop owner who has been threatened with fines after reopening says he is “taking a stand” for the wider retail industry and has vowed to keep his store open.
South East
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A Berwick clothing shop owner has reopened his store despite being threatened with fines for flouting restrictions.
Harry’s Clothing owner Harry Hutchinson, who has owned his Loveridge Walk store on High St for the past 15 years, said he reopened his shop on Monday because he was “taking a stand”.
“I made the stance to reopen on Monday because I had to – I had a shop full of stock just sitting here and in fashion if you have stock more than 30 days it ends up on your clearance rack,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“The police came in today … I do believe that I will receive an infringement notice tomorrow and I’m still opening tomorrow, so I’ll more than likely have another visit.”
“I’ve had three offers for crowd-funding to pay for the fines, so I’ll certainly be taking that option.”
He said he urged retail and hospitality workers to take a stand.
“We still don’t have the numbers down to where our premier wants them, if they closed us for another two weeks it’s going to be too late for small businesses – they are on their knees.”
Mr Hutchinson said he hoped the State Government reopened retail next week.
“Enough is enough, this has gone on too long, this thing could go for years – we have to reopen.
“If we don’t reopen I’ll still be open and I’m standing my ground and encouraging all small businesses to open – we need strength in numbers.”
He said his shop had been overwhelmed with support.
“We’ve been inundated with support and I’m so thankful. My cash reserves were just coming to an end and in a few more weeks I wouldn’t have had any money to pay the bills.”
Mr Hutchinson said Berwick had become a “ghost town”.
“At one stage Berwick was one of the highest yields for retail and property because we were full. I’ve never seen Berwick with so many empty shops and businesses closing down.
“I urge everyone who is a small-business owner anywhere, get your business open – start supporting your community.”
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