Big business should be brought to book over plans for Leith - Lorna Slater
As a Leither I love shopping local – it’s better for the environment, saves money and supports local businesses instead of lining the pockets of faceless corporations.
The range of independent, community focused businesses are what makes our city and community great, and we should be protecting these spaces and showing up to support our neighbours.
This was made very clear this week when we learned that Waterstones are planning to open a branch at the Foot of the Walk in Leith – the unit that formally housed the British Heart Foundation’s popular Leith furniture store.
This has rightfully raised alarm bells among neighbours who have lost this resource and disagree with a large chain store moving in less than 100m from other independent retailers.
Argonaut Books, which opened at the foot of Leith Walk about four years ago, has been a cultural stalwart in the community and helps to sustain the identity of Leith. In the short time that they have been trading they have hosted events with world-class authors, launched multiple book clubs, increased stockholding by a third and established and maintained a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
The shop also pays the Real Living Wage and has done since the first day their doors opened, something that Waterstones have not.
But of course, this is not just about one book shop or even one type of retail. Waterstones sells far more than books which could impact the shops that specialise in art, board games, gifts, stationery and cards.
This is about powerful monopolies and chain businesses squeezing independent retailers who have the community’s interests at heart, instead of profit and greed.
At a time where money is tight for customers and retailers, we should not have these kinds of big businesses forcing themselves on communities where they aren’t needed.
And this story is not unique to Edinburgh either. It happens in cities and countries across the world. Large chains grow – often at the expense of fair working practices and environmental standards - and the independent businesses that give neighbourhoods its soul are put at risk.
It has been great to see so many people, organisations and neighbouring businesses coming out in support of Argonaut Books.
Their reach through an open letter to Waterstones’ CEO and the media has been astounding – the story was even picked up by Canadian radio!
I’m hopeful that Waterstones will listen to the public feedback and to the concerns raised by neighbours who live and work in the area. In the meantime I greatly encourage you to shop local where you can, especially in the run up to the holidays.
If we want to keep our communities well paid, engaged, unique and vibrant we must speak out against big businesses who think they know our communities better than we do.