IanSE22

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I just want to say how lovely the staff are in Kanella & Co, particularly Juan who is so upbeat whenever you go in. He has a smile and a kind word for everyone. I watched him today chat with an elderly lady who was on her own and he had her smiling and laughing in seconds, that kindness and taking time with folk goes a long way to brightening the greyest January day. Alex the owner too is always so charming and friendly. Long may they continue.

Bloody ‘Poundland’ on Lordship Lane! Another deathknell for the independents. What a shame that what made East Dulwich special is swiftly becoming like every other high street. Really sad for the neighbourhood

Easytiger, no I never worked there. However I believe the rents were close to ?3000 per mth before business rates or wages, bills etc even taken in to account. The shop was doubled in size and improved by the lady who ran MooToo, she converted the dilapidated back stockroom into a usable retail space at her own expense, but of course that improved usage meant then the rental rates increase. Cashflow wasnt an issue, sadly most local people would pitch up during sale time when stock is half price but not patronise the shop the rest of the time. Its very tough at the moment when small businesses are closing at the rate of one in three shops. Mary Portas and her desire to boost UK High Streets with diversity has a long road ahead if locals dont support their shops and only businesses left to thrive will be chains, more Lordship Lane Bars aimed at younger drinkers, or Indian restaurants. Landlords are in a win win situation really, the tenants foot the bill for all improvements and dilapidation costs. I feel sorry for other independent businesses though like Mon Petit Chou or Toast which will be nearest rivals to a chain such as Starbucks.

To be fair James the shop that was there hardly failed, it had been there for almost ten years, but the rent increases were mainly instrumental in its demise. Also note several businesses have closed along the lane over last few months, ie Black Cherry, Draft House, Green and Blue, Lush Designs, Old Villa (due to go), Grace & Favour (well established), Soup dragon etc etc. the pattern is the rents are out of control and the independent businesses just cannot compete with chains. E Dulwich is rapidly losing its individuality

Am very saddened if any foundation in the rumour that this lovely shop will be taken over shortly by another big chain coffee shop. What a shame this is another nail in the coffin to the independent local businesses in Lordship Lane, turning the street in to just another bland UK high street given over to corporates. What a pity the LL landlords are so greedy that their rents preclude the eclectic businesses that originally gave ED its own identity the chance to thrive and prosper and keep ED original and special.

EPB there's now SewEastDulwich where Moo Too used to at 45 Lordship Lane, they run classes too

Sorry only seen your thread asking where, it is the new Moo Too, at 45 Lordship Lane, same lady owns it, but she runs their classes which are really good, she's very patient and knowledgable

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