A family-owned pet shop in Croydon is set to close after 66 years due to rising costs and lower footfall. Dabners first appeared on Surrey Street in 1959, but a declining number of visitors in recent years will lead to the store shutting for the last time on Saturday, August 16.
Owner Mark Oram said the government’s autumn budget was the final nail in the coffin for his business last year. The number of customers walking through its doors dropped by 30 per cent in just one month, which Mark says is the biggest cut he’s experienced in his 40-year career.
“It’s so sad and very disheartening,” he added. “I’ve worked on this my whole life and to see it go down this way is horrible.”
The 61-year-old inherited the business from his father, but is now looking to set up another pet shop in Horsham, West Sussex, due to the closure. Mark says rampant crime and antisocial behaviour in Croydon town centre makes it too difficult for independent businesses to operate.
‘Croydon feels a bit lawless’
He told MyLondon: “Croydon feels a bit lawless. Shoplifting is worse than ever but we’re not getting any support. If we catch one we’re just told to email the police who never do much about it.
The business owner recalls one incident last year when a shoplifter pulled a knife on him in the middle of Surrey Street when he tried to stop him from stealing a dog harness. Scotland Yard said they did not have enough evidence to prosecute the suspect, despite it allegedly being captured on video by a member of the public.
In response to a surge of shoplifting in Croydon, the Metropolitan Police says it’s focusing on the most prolific offenders. Officers say shoplifting has dropped by 31 per cent in the town centre over the past six months.
Mark also believes Croydon Council has not provided enough support for independent traders, as he claims the area is no longer a top shopping location.
“You talk to most customers here and they won’t even go to the shopping centre,” Mark continued. “Ten years ago people used to travel here from other areas, now we’re only serving locals – and some of them even go to Bromley or other parts of South London for better shops.
“The council has done nothing whatsoever to promote businesses here whatsoever. I know other independents and none of them are saying ‘we’re up, we’re doing well’.”
Despite the restrictions, Dabners faced less financial pressure because of relief rates on tax. Businesses enjoyed a 75 per cent relief on businesses rates from 2020 until April 2024, designed to limit the amount of shops closing.
Mark says his rate relief is now only 25 per cent, meaning he is missing out on thousands of pounds which could have helped keep the business afloat. He added: “They should be paying us to be here, it’s us independent businesses who employ local people and attract shoppers to the area.
“It’s a ridiculous amount we’re paying. We pay £20k a year in business rate, and now only get 25 per cent back. And for what? Paying to have your rubbish taken away, not get policed, or have lower footfall in the area than ever.
“These taxes have gone up when we need the money more than ever.”
Superintendent Mitch Carr, the Metropolitan Police’s neighbourhood policing lead for Croydon, said: “We’re working with local business owners to understand their concerns as we take a targeted approach to tackle the crimes that matters most to Londoners.
“Croydon is one of 20 town centres and high streets across London that will see enhanced police and partner activity this summer.
“There will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will relentlessly target wanted and prolific offenders who commit offences, particularly shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.”
‘Council: ‘The closure of Dabners is disappointing’
Croydon Council has described the closure of Dabners as “disappointing”, and says it recognises the contribution the pet shop has made to Surrey Street over the past 60 years
A spokesperson added: “We understand these are challenging times for retailers nationally, particularly independent businesses. That’s why Croydon Council continues to deliver a range of business support programmes, funded by external grants. These are designed to help local enterprises build resilience, adapt to changing consumer behaviours, and seize new opportunities in a fast-evolving economic landscape.
“In Surrey Street, we are investing £4.4m in the Amplifying Surrey Street programme to enhance the identity and heritage of the area, improve market infrastructure and greenery, and deliver a programme of events to drive footfall. We are working closely with local businesses, market traders and residents to make sure the projects reflect the changes they want to see.
“This work forms part of Executive Mayor, Jason Perry’s Growth Plan, which prioritises regenerating Croydon town centre and making the borough a cleaner, safer, and more attractive destination for residents and visitors.”
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