The opening of Fat Face in Thame last weekend again raises debate regarding local businesses and Thame becoming similar to neighbouring towns such as Bicester, who allow nationally recognised brands to fill their high street. We caught up with a Thame citizen (wishes to remain anonymous) who has lived in Thame for over twenty years but has open views on the future of our town.
"Confusing is one of the many words I personally feel when I see the likes of Domino's, Subway and now Fat Face coming to Thame. With the ongoing Tesco debate causing a clear divide throughout Thame, I am somewhat confused and excited at the same time!
The confused part of my brain struggles to understand the logic of allowing certain brands to operate in Thame and not others. I've heard several neighbours strongly protest Tesco, yet not be bothered about these other companies. Why?? How does Domino's come to Thame, everyone is excited about great pizza, but what about the other private take away firms in Thame? Does anyone give them a second thought as they tuck into their meatball special? But the second you mention Tesco, the boos ring from around the town - 'more traffic', 'we have enough supermarkets in Thame', 'It takes away business from our high street'. All these comments could be applied to other businesses in Thame. There are several clothes shops on our high street, several sandwich bars, already a pizza place and multiple take away choices that will all be effected by these new arrivals...Why was there no protest against Domino's or Fat Face?
Despite my confusion at the inconsistency of protests, I personally am delighted to see the introduction of more variety in Thame. And actually, I think this will bring more people to our high street. It's the same with Tescos, I currently go to Wheatley (Asda) or Aylesbury (Tesco) to get my weekly shop. Waitrose is too expensive to feed my family, Sainsburys and the Coop offer little choice and are too small. So a Thame Tesco would be great for me! It would save me a longer trip, save me time, and bring me convenience. Those that can afford Waitrose can still shop there, surely? I will still use the private owned clothes shops, the Pizza Parlour for my delivery of an affordable pizza; but yes sometimes I would like to try something new, from somewhere different, so Fat Face and Domino's are great alternatives.
The population of Thame is growing and more houses are going up, a new petrol station; supermarket; a range of cheap and expensive shops can only help people from all different walks of life find their place in Thame, in my opinion".
A brief view from just one Thame citizen. With us all having such different lives, varied incomes and factors that determine where we shop, is it inevitable that Thame's high street and surrounding area will become populated with branded retailers?
We want to hear more views! Do you live near to the proposed Tesco location? Do you run a local business, and are these nationally recognised shops going to put a dent in your sales? We want to hear from you: [email protected]
