Rainhill customers protest 'disgraceful' call to close Kall Couture

As previously reported by the Star, Karen Power found herself locked out of her ladies' clothing shop 'Kall Couture' in late January, after the shop's neighbouring business, Carl Keith Salon, fell into liquidation.

The decision to close Kall Couture was made because the salon had sub-let the property "without permission or consent" from the building's landlord and the Co-op which leases the premises.

However, this has been contested by the Rainhill businesswoman as she says that verbal agreements were in place with regard to the property, and a report on this was filed by the building's property management company.

In any case, the fact that Karen was kicked out of Kall Couture with no prior warning has left her customers up in arms as the shop is described by many as a much-loved asset to Rainhill.

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Karen has resorted to selling clothes online since the closure of her shop (Image: Kall Couture)
After eight years of building her brand in Rainhill, Karen had invested thousands of pounds in refurbishing the Warrington Road shop, and continued to operate and pay rent after Carl Keith salon fell into liquidation in October.

This was until the sudden closure in late January, which has severely hampered her ability to make a living. Karen said that she has attempted to re-sublet the property but there has been limited communication in regard to this.

The Co-op has said that its lease with Carl Keith "did not allow the ground floor to be split into separate units" and after the salon fell into administration, it "had to take steps to avoid breaching the terms of its lease".

After a concerned customer made the Star aware about Karen's situation, dozens of residents took to social media to show their support for Karen and her independent business, which has left the businesswoman "overwhelmed" by the response.

Karen has been locked out of her shop since January, but has been 'overwhelmed' by the support from her customers (Image: Google Maps)
Sue Ian Pickavance said: "This is really sad, especially with no warning which is unacceptable. We have enough retail business closures with the current decline of high street shopping. 

"Karen Power provided so much to the Rainhill community and brought people in from surrounding areas to the village. These people would also visit the surrounding businesses because of her, I know I did! The landlords need addressing."

Alison Roberts said: "This shop was a real asset to the village and is sorely missed by us all! Karen is the loveliest person and always supported the wider community of Rainhill, this could have been sorted very differently."

Eileen Herkess commented: "Disgraceful. Why have the unit empty when it have a perfectly viable and profitable business in operation 

Emma Reece wrote: "Disgusting, this is a brilliant shop and missed so much."

Nicola Hughes said: "Absolutely disgraceful! Now it's just sitting empty which makes no sense at all - for anyone!"

Jennifer Mcgreavey said: "Absolutely disgusting of the Co-op, there was clearly an agreement written or otherwise given the shop has been trading for years, and a tenancy agreement exists even if there is only a verbal agreement.

"Not only is this a loss of a business she has worked hard for… reducing taxes being paid… it’s also stunting economic growth in our village and reducing the number of small business owners."

Anne Keen wrote: "The landlords should be ashamed of themselves. Kall did everything by the book and paid her rent in good faith. There is absolutely no reason at all why she should not be allowed to carry on trading.

"She built her business up from scratch and has become a much loved and respected member of the community. Let's hope the landlord shows compassion and allows her to resume trading, back where she belongs."

Davina Coogan said: "Karen and her lovely little shop are really missed in the village. Shocking behaviour by the landlord!"

Sadie Delaney wrote: "Just disgusting. Empty units just sat there when Kall Couture was a huge part of the community. Ridiculous decision made by individuals with no empathy."

Lauren Duffy said: "You’ve been so dignified all the way through this Karen, the shop and yourself are such an asset to Rainhill."