Goldfinch's Lewes Dry Cleaners

06/05/2026

WE ARE SHOCKED TO DISCOVER TESCO HAS PUT A TIMPSON "POD" IN THEIR CAR PARK!

[UPDATE: Please note this isn't just "Ashley having a moan" I have been approached by independent businesses very worried about this.]

This pod, which appears to have been quietly installed in the last week, is going to take away business from several independents and long standing businesses in the town because of the range of services it offers (many of which we are guessing aren't actually done on-site but have to be sent away). In fact with several of the services we already have at least two shops offering the same.

That Tesco Lewes have done this shows the lack of regard they have for the community in which they are situated.

We will be writing to Tesco, doing a press release and getting the affected shops on board to campaign against this obvious slight to the rest of the town.

Lewes Town Council Lewes District Council East Sussex County Council

06/05/2026

"I WANT TO OPEN A SHOP!"

After our last post about a Timpson unit in Tesco, there have been a number of comments which are of the "So what?" or similar variety.

So, do you really know how much it costs to set up and open a shop in the town?

Let's say you wanted to open a (new) hardware shop in Lewes - something that is often said was needed until Value Home Supplies opened. The following figures are only a guide, but give an idea of the money you need...

Renting and securing space = £9000
Refurbishing and renovating = £5250
Fixtures and fittings = £4500
Stock = £20,000
POS system and software = £1750
Business registration/legal = £1250
Running costs (6–12 months) = £14,250
Unexpected costs = £3250

TOTAL = £59,250

Imagine, in your first year you have to find not far short of £60,000, with most of that being just to get ready to open. And that's before you are even able to pay yourself.

(Figures are the median between the minimum and maximum costs suggested by Ecosia A.I.)

To raise this sort of money, someone wanting to open a shop would possibly need to take out a loan, maybe even putting their home up as collateral.

So now, you get an idea of why independents are so worried when a major national franchise gets space with a supermarket located away from the centre of the town.

Therefore it is more important than ever to support the shops we already have in Lewes rather than just going with the easy option.

[Photo: Mike Norris, pexels.com]

10/03/2025

Back for 2025, our spring household offer is now on.
Pop into our store with all your home furnishing needs, or email us at [email protected] to arrange a collection.

03/03/2024

With Spring now finally sprung, grab yourself a bargain with our March Offer.
Pop into our store at 14 Cliffe High Street, Lewes with all your home furnishing needs, or email us at [email protected] to arrange a collection.
Only valid for the first 100 customers, so you best be quick

03/03/2024

With Spring now finally sprung, grab yourself a bargain with our March Offer.
Pop into our store at 14 Cliffe High Street, Lewes with all your home furnishing needs, or email us at [email protected] to arrange a collection.
Only valid for the first 100 customers, so you best be quick!

19/12/2023

It's that time of the year again where we will soon be closing our doors for a few days. But never fear we will back to assist you with all of your dry cleaning needs in 2024.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all at Goldfinch's

19/12/2023

20/03/2023

Are you starting to do some spring cleaning! If so we have an excellent curtain cleaning offer for you. Just pop your curtains into us to receive 10% off. Alternatively, ring us on 01273 472119 to book a collection.
Goldfinchs Dry Cleaners, 14 Cliffe High Street, BN7 2AH www.goldfinchs.co.uk