THE OWNER of a Bournemouth menswear store is calling it a day after nearly 40 years in business.
Ray Emmett is the boss of Alfa Menswear in Westover Road but will retire when the lease for the site expires on August 31.
The 76-year-old said: “I’ve had this business for 35 years and it started as a joint partnership but, very sadly, my business partner passed away two-and-a-half years ago.
“I will miss my customers and my staff the most, but retirement will give me the chance to do all the things I have been putting off over the past few years.”
From September 1, the business will be run by a new owner as the same business for a 10-year, reduced-price lease and will help make a “seamless transition”.
In his near four decades in Westover Road, Ray has seen changes in the town centre.
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“Around 25 years ago, Westover Road was considered the Bond Street of Bournemouth but there has been a steady decline since then,” he said.
“From the council allowing Castlepoint Shopping Centre to happen, it has taken the heart out of Bournemouth town centre.
“There is also internet shopping, which contributes to the decline, but people still want to feel and touch their clothes before they buy them.
“After all, physical shopping also serves as a meeting point for people.”
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Di Cotterill, who works at Alfa, said she “passionately” believes that Bournemouth town centre can return to its heyday, saying Westover Road used to be the Bond Street of the town.
She said: Everybody complains it costs an arm and a leg to park in the town centre. You have the homeless people permanently on the floor... and you worry you will get mugged.
“I have stood in this shop for 28 years and what has happened to Bournemouth is a tragedy. There is so much money in this town but there is nowhere to spend it.
“It needs to attract new businesses into the retail sector and be turned into a great holiday destination once again.
“We want the old Bournemouth back. There need to be new independent clothes retailers here, not just Zara or Primark.”
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