Southampton’s beloved fancy dress store, Hollywood Just For Fun, is set to close its doors on November 15th, marking the end of an era after over five decades of trading. Manager Sam Kerr cited a combination of escalating business costs and persistent shoplifting as the primary reasons for the closure, expressing frustration over the lack of action against offenders.
Key takeaways
- Hollywood Just For Fun in Southampton will close on November 15th after 50 years.
- Shoplifting and rising operational costs are cited as major factors.
- A new rehabilitation project for prolific shoplifters is being launched in Southampton.
A Difficult Decision
Sam Kerr, who has managed the Southampton branch since 2012, stated that the ongoing issue of shoplifting has created an environment where offenders feel entitled to take stock, as "nothing gets done." This, coupled with the increasing expenses of running a business, has made it unsustainable to continue trading. Kerr highlighted the impact on the community, noting that businesses are forced to say "enough is enough" when faced with such challenges.
The store, which originally opened in 1974, has been a valuable resource for the community, providing costumes for school events, parties, and general fancy dress needs. Kerr described the shop as a "godsend" and expressed sadness at its closure.
The Impact of Crime
Kerr detailed how crime in the area, particularly shoplifting, has deterred customers and negatively affected the business. She observed that shoplifters are of all ages and that the perceived lack of consequences emboldens them. An incident where someone attempted to snatch the till underscored the risks faced by staff. Kerr admitted to feeling unable to confront shoplifters for fear of repercussions.
Hope for the Future
In response to the growing problem, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, has announced a new rehabilitation project aimed at providing targeted support to prolific shoplifters in Southampton. This initiative follows a successful pilot in Portsmouth, which saw a significant reduction in shoplifting and drug misuse among participants. The Southampton project, a £30,000 one-year pilot, will involve partnerships with The Society of St James, Go! Southampton, and Southampton City Council. Kerr welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will extend across the entire city and contribute to a safer environment for residents and businesses.
