A list of businesses that have opened over the past few years is hardly compelling evidence in that you could compile a similar list of businesses that have closed - Borough Wines, Peppermint, GENCO, The Crown, Ngon Deli, The Italians pizza restaurant and Kitchen & Pantry. Combined with the pollyannaish views of what is probably an imaginary estate agent you aren't going to convince anyone this is boom time for Chiswick particularly as one of the traders you list is very concerned about their future in the area.It is also interesting you don't cite perhaps the strongest case in support of your argument - the takeover by Rock and Rose of a large prime site previously occupied by a chain. As the owner has views about High Road retail that you don't agree with, she appears to have been airbrushed out.Nearly everything you post about on here, it is driven by your simplistic and dogmatic views about transport issues and you are determined to push the narrative that Chiswick is doing well because Cycleway 9 opponents said it would destroy it.The reality is that there are far more important factors affecting how retailers do than a segregated cycle lane or the availability of a few extra parking spaces. If you talk to real commercial property professionals and people who actually own retail businesses they will explain to you the huge challenges that the industry currently faces. These aren't unique to Chiswick but, if you can find a trader who you haven't alienated by your social media antics, they will give you more details of their particular concerns.This is a complex issue and Chiswick's town centre isn't necessarily in terminal decline and remains an attractive place for local residents to shop and eat but it is still struggling to reinvent itself post covid. I've recently been to both Kensal Rise and Hackney and they have a buzz which is lacking on our High Road.The true picture is being masked to a certain extent. There are quite a few firms in arrears with their rent but landlords are working on the devil you know principle calculating that the cost of a sustained vacancy will be bigger than the write off. Also quite a significant proportion of new businesses have been given rental terms which simply weren't on offer before Covid which provide very low initial rent enabling a suck it and see strategy. The e-bike retailer Fully Charged wasn't a pop-up when it moved in but became so when it became apparent it wouldn't be possible. Finally, Chiswick has been attracting interest from businesses which are money laundering fronts. Most agents and landlords will try and steer clear of something that looks suspicious but this issue is never cut and dried and obviously the business isn't going to fess up to its true purpose. These three factors have reduced vacancy rates in Chiswick below which they otherwise might have been. Even so they are quite high and if you add in the proliferation of charity shops and short term occupancies, this is quite a hollowed out retail space. The important thing to bear in mind is that even shops and restaurants that appear to be thriving can be right on the edge and many in Chiswick are so, if you want them to be there next year, keep visiting.
Francis Rowe ● 61d