Things have not been the same around town since the closure of the Island?s mega-store Trimingham?s. travelled to several neighbouring stores this week to get some insight on how they have been affected by the change.

While many businesses have noticed a boost in sales, no one denies that Hamilton has changed or that a part of the City?s retail culture has faded.

When asked about sales, staff at The Irish Linen Shop said far more people are actually coming into the store since the closure of Trimingham?s.

?(There?s) not necessarily a change in sales but definitely in traffic,? said Irish Linen Shop sales clerk Mia Finsness. ?There have been a lot more people in the store, especially on Harbour Nights.?

Though Trimingham?s closure hasn?t greatly affected business for The Irish Linen Shop, Ms Finsness said she has noticed a change in the area?s atmosphere.

?We are hopeful that something will go in to energise the building again because it has been very quiet around here,? she said.

One business that has had particular success since the closure has been The English Sports shop and its associated stores, Marks & Spencer, Boutique CC and the new store Lusso.

?Business is definitely performing at a higher level,? said English Sports Shop president David Hamshere, when considering the loss of a major retail competitor.

The increase in sales is overshadowed by the sadness that many feel over the store?s shocking closure, however.

?Obviously we don?t take any pleasure in seeing the demise of Trimingham?s,? said Mr. Hamshere.

Another chain of stores which has had notable success since the closure is the Calypso chain which includes French Connection, Voila, Benetton and Max Mara.

?I see an extensive amount of increased traffic,? said group sales manager Maritza Sequeros.

?It is sad because it?s an era that?s come to an end,? she said, adding that she hopes this closure does not reflect a trend. Nonetheless, Ms Sequeros said she understands that the business world must go on.

One good thing that may come out of the closure is that it will force businesses to up their standards and provide consumers with what they are looking for, she suggested.

?I just hope the future will be brighter and steady,? she said.

Though Vera P. Card also noticed short-term sales improvements, manager Jan Card said he was disappointed about the closure and concerned about the possible long-term impacts for smaller businesses in Hamilton.

?From the point of view of our visitors, you have to think of Hamilton as a mini-mall and ask yourself what happens to the other shops in a mall when the anchor store closes down,? he said.

Crisson?s reported that they have been doing well since the closure and have seen an increase in store traffic, particularly on the weekends.

But president Peter Crisson said Trimmingham?s closure has been a loss for the community. ?We are very disappointed that they are gone,? he said.

Trimingham?s had been in business for well over 160 years and had become a cultural landmark for both residents and visitors to the Island.