Woodies Emporium last weekend was another casualty of this credit crunch. After 26 years of tradeing in the high end fashion sector dressing the terraces for many years and also dressing Cardiff City Football Club Players for many important games last being the FC Cup Final where the Woodies team kitted out the stars with £300 woolen suits. Its a sad day I knew owner Ray not on a personal level but had met him a few times over the years and I had/have nothing but respect for him. He clearly had his finger on the pulse spotted an opening in the market and took it with both hands and became one of Cardiffs big Indie names nobody could match Woodies in that high end market not even the big boys Woodies was too much of a household name but also had a massive following from football fans across the country and I am sure had a massive influence on many bands that played gigs in Cardiff Center. I was sad to pick up my local paper a read of the fall of such a legend. Cardiff will miss Woodies Emporium and I am sure local buisinesses too will feel the downfall. Its estimated that Woodies was probably accountable for 30% of Morgan Arcades footfall and for just one shop that is a big influence on such a small enviroment such as Morgan Arcade.
Yet another story of the economical disater we are in right now. But also it shows that councils and goverments do not think of all businesses when they are revitalising there cities. To these councils and goverments dont forget to protect your local businesses when coming up with great plans. Cardiff’s St Mary Street has been hit hard the last few years with all the redevelopment that is going on and customers finding it hard to get to stores and park as all the traffic is being pushed into the center of Cardiff.
Yet another story of the economical disater we are in right now. But also it shows that councils and goverments do not think of all businesses when they are revitalising there cities. To these councils and goverments dont forget to protect your local businesses when coming up with great plans. Cardiff’s St Mary Street has been hit hard the last few years with all the redevelopment that is going on and customers finding it hard to get to stores and park as all the traffic is being pushed into the center of Cardiff.
It is a sad day for retailers in Cardiff and Shoppers and people that knew Ray and his team. This shop will be sadly missed. And I can only wish Ray and his family all the best for the future and hopefully it is not the end and Ray will somehow come back and bring Cardiff its heratige for great Independant stores.
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