Two Guys from Brussels owner Olivier Dochez has told the Daily Post newspaper that business rates in Bangor are extortionate and they were seen as too posh and too cosmopolitan for ‘dying’ Bangor.
The Belgian specialty store which has been open on Bangor High Street for the last two and a half years, announced yesterday that the store will close on 24th December.
‘We were seen as too posh, too cosmopolitan and too expensive’
In an interview with the Daily Post Wales, Olivier said: “Business rates and rent in Bangor are extortionate compared to the footfall, which is non existent.
“Another issue is that the general state of buildings on the High Street is dire, no brands want to renovate a building they lease to that extent.
“The vast majority of the local community with jobs and money prefer Llandudno, Chester and Cheshire Oaks than Bangor High street.
“We were seen as too posh, too cosmopolitan and too expensive even with cheaper prices that the larger brands.
“Bangor is dying unless it reinvents itself, Gwynedd and Anglesey don’t have enough inhabitants to support Caernarfon, Bangor and all the other towns.”
Olivier added: “These last two and a half years have had it’s ups and downs, both professional and personal, but even though we have tried to turn the business around the footfall in Bangor is simply not there to make it viable in regards to rent and rates.
“We would all like to thank our regular customers and would like to remind you all that a new load of chocolates is coming in for Christmas shopping and treats.”
