Stevensons closed suddenly, citing parking charges and shifting shopping habits. The council expresses surprise.
Harpenden’s new parking charges factored in. Customer shopping patterns changed after Covid began. Keeping a branch near St Albans became unworkable, he noted.
Parking charges helped finalize the decision. St Albans offers better parking for shoppers. Most customers now prefer shopping online, he added.
SADC responded to the closure today. Harpenden residents and shoppers reacted negatively. The council expressed surprise at the stated reason.
Robin Ray works for St Albans City Council. He said the charges started recently. They began less than two weeks before the closing. The council thought the decision predated charge effects.
Stevensons’ customers shop online, Ray noted. The nearby branch was no longer viable. The district council feels sorry for Stevensons.
They want to support all town shops. Mr. Ray discussed how they plan to help businesses. The council thinks charges will help Harpenden.
They believe it supports active travel. They expect less traffic and easier parking turnover.