St Austell Faces Fears as Shop Closures Lead to Town Center Decline

New Look might close one Cornwall store. They said some stores may close when leases end. This affects at least one of their three Cornwall shops. People worry St Austell will keep declining. Many stores already closed there.

Right now, the stores operate normally. But, the St Austell New Look will close soon. A notice went up in the store window. Analysts think New Look may close stores faster.

New tax changes will start in April. In April, employers pay more national insurance. The rate goes from 13.8% to 15%. The tax payment threshold also changes. It reduces from £9,100 to £5,000. Minimum wage increases to £12.21 per hour. Retail business rates will rise too.

A New Look person said stores close sometimes. This happens due to landlords or unviable locations. They are still seeking new store locations. They also invest in their existing locations.

People online are talking about these closures. One person said stores go this way often. They think free parking could help. Another person remembers St Austell being lively. They feel sad about the decline.

Someone else said St Austell is dying. They see many empty shops. Another person remembered St Austell’s past. They shopped there often before internet shopping. Yet another person buys online now. They understand why the high street fades.