Susie, co-owner of local gift shop Rocket and Bird, has issued a heartfelt plea to the community to support independent businesses in Taunton. Over the past six months, several beloved local shops and venues—including sweet shop Fizzy Wizzy Woo, florist Perfectflowers4u, restaurant Block, and gin bar Ninkasi—have closed their doors, leaving many small business owners feeling overlooked and vulnerable.
Susie expressed frustration about the lack of publicity these closures receive, unlike national brands, often only discovering closures after “To Let” signs appear. She’s urged Taunton Town Council to increase support and promotion for independents, highlighting that while events like Christmas Lights and one-off festivals draw attention, permanent promotion for year-round brick-and-mortar shops remains insufficient.
Taunton Town Council Leader Tom Deakin acknowledged the importance of a thriving town centre and noted that Taunton is home to around 150 traders, with approximately 100 independents—a figure that stands out nationally. The Council has worked on improvements such as doubling floral displays, maintaining planters in the Independent Quarter, investing in safety through CCTV and street marshals, and exploring options like pop-up shops to bring vibrancy to the high street.
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However, Deakin emphasized that significant challenges come from broader national and global economic factors beyond local control. Meanwhile, residents and business owners urge a greater focus on supporting existing businesses rather than prioritizing occasional events that may actually divert customers away.
The pedestrianisation of parts of Taunton, including Fore Street and St James Street, has breathed new life into the town centre, promoting a vibrant independent quarter with cafés and street vendors. While some remain skeptical about these changes, many credit them with improving the atmosphere and boosting small business growth.
Comparisons with other towns show that despite empty shops, Taunton’s high street is relatively resilient given the current economic climate. Still, the message from the independent business community is clear: urgent, ongoing support and consistent promotion are essential if Taunton is to thrive and retain its unique charm.