This town is lookiing like a ghost town

[salus.populi]

I hear this comment a lot about local traders - maybe people's shopping habits have changed, maybe you and the others aren't selling what they want.
Allegations that the place is like a ghost town are just subjective opinions not borne out by the visual evidence.
They might be 'milling' around but they are there - it's up to the traders to provide what they want and, if that's pavement cafes and bars then that's what we give them.
People's lifestyles and shopping habits have changed and the business community can either accept that and change with them or - adopt a 'loom wreckers' mentality and deride the town whilst whistfully wishing for times that will not return.

This. With many people finding their disposable income reducing you can't blame them for buying cheaper online. Their first priority is their own finances. They don't have a duty to prop up someone elses outdated business model.

[Alikado]

I am pleased to say that Southport is busy, however shopping habits have changed all over the country due to people buying on line and at out of town shopping malls.

Double yellow lines everywhere make the town appear unfriendly.

It will continue to be very difficult for retail throughout the UK.


It seems bars, coffee shops and charity shops are what we now have in abundance !

The double yellow lines are no different to anywhere else in the country, anywhere that doesn't have them is probably somewhere you don't want to be.
Online shopping is so much easier and at the click of a button you can make sure you've got the best price, no need to carry it around as somebody will deliver it, returns are just as easy you only have to take it round the corner to the Post Office.

[Hamble]

Southport has not moved with the times in retail as there is not enough customer demand for the needs of a multicultural footfall as in other towns in the North.
What low percentage of migrant and immigrant shoppers it has most likely travel to areas where they can shop and buy their traditional preference.

Shops popular in low rent areas selling loose commodity in bulk.
Fast food restaurants supplied by local producers or easier access to
buying and collecting specialised imported goods.

Same go's for the market which compounds the fact people do not make the trip to Southport now for the unique shops.

Southport also has a higher than average elderly and retired population which will make a difference to shopping needs.