Pipers Newsagents could close if it doesn’t get a new operator to take on the business and Post Office, it has emerged.
Leaflets are being distributed to customers informing them of their notice to quit. It states, “Post Office Limited, the company that runs the UK network of post offices, can only assist us in seeking a replacement operator once we have formally notified them of our intention to hand back the business.
“We have now done so and a commitment to continue running the business for a further 12 months or until we find a new operator. We hope an appropriate operator, with good retailing skills, will take over the premises and maintain the business.”
“Customer numbers have also fallen and not recovered since the start of the extensive High Street works. So are therefore looking for a new operator for our shop and Post Office”, according to the notice.
Aside from selling newspapers and magazines and serving the Post Office, Pipers also sells a range of other merchandise, including greetings cards, gifts, children’s toys, novelty and holiday paraphernalia.
They have said, “unfortunately, our traditional product offering is widely available in other shops and we do not have the in-depth understanding of other retail markets to offer anything different.”
They are confident that the Post Office will not close, adding, “Our Post Office is very busy and we believe Hailsham is a large enough town to justify, and indeed demand a Post Office, so we are confident a new operator will be found to maintain the service and keep staff employed.”
Pipers has been established since 1947. It is hoped a new operator will make itself known to avoid Pipers being the next name in a line of businesses to expire at the hands of the regeneration roadworks.
