Broughty Ferry is diverse and vibrant enough to absorb the recent growth of charity shops, local representatives claim.
The Salvation Army is the latest charity to open an outlet in Brook Street, taking over the former post office and bringing to at least six the number of similar shops in the area.
There have been fears in some quarters that, with around nine coffee shops also filling units in the main retail streets, Broughty Ferry was in danger of suffering from a contraction in the variety of goods and services it could offer.
With the community also boasting more than its fair share of pubs, some residents were concerned that it would become best known for alcohol, coffee and charity clothing.
However, both the community council and traders association’s former president, Sandro Paladini, believe there is no need to worry that the Ferry’s unique character is in danger through an over-reliance on just a few retail sectors.
The community council’s minutes secretary, Anya Lawrence, said there had been some talk among its members about a possibly unfair competitive advantage enjoyed by charity shops in terms of free stock and volunteer workers but the feeling was that Broughty Ferry was capable of enjoying its charity shops without causing problems for independent retailers.
Mrs Lawrence said she believed most shopkeepers were happy to see a charity shop moving into an empty unit than to see it lying unoccupied. Even if there were more concerns about the situation, there are no regulations in place that could control the number of charity outlets.
She said, “The fact remains that if a charity wants to rent a shop and can afford it then there’s nothing to stop them doing it. I think we need a mix in the Ferry and charity shops are also capable of attracting shoppers. Before I moved to Broughty Ferry, I used to travel to the charity shops here because they were very good.
“We have to support independent retailers because without them Broughty Ferry wouldn’t be what it is and people would be as well going to chain shops in the centre of town. I don’t think charity shops are detrimental to the upmarket shops we have here and there are quite a few of them that seem to be doing well enough.”
Mr Paladini, a member of the traders’ association for more than 20 years, said Broughty Ferry was enjoying a “particularly buoyant period” and had a number of high- profile shops such as Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Subway.
He said, “There has been an increase in the number of charity organisations using units over the last 10 years but as long as we have the very strong support of quality independent retailers, the balance remains attractive.
“The issue of unfair competition from charity shops is perhaps overblown and as a past president of the traders’ association, I can certainly say there have never been any representations made by members with regards to the negative impact of charity shops.”