Perth Voice Interactive

ANOTHER shop in the heart of Beaufort Street is closing.

Zakka Box, opposite Lawley’s Bakery, is pulling down its kimono after selling Japanese homewares and gifts for just three years.

Zakka owner Yuka Cork pulled out of her monthly lease after the landlord told her he was planning to redevelop.

“I had no choice really, because I had nowhere else to set-up shop,” she says. “But I will continue my online business which I have built up over the last few years.

“It’s sad, but you have to move on.”

The Voice understands Ms Cork was paying around $2500 rent per month. The shop joins a slew of recent closures on Beaufort Street in the past year including Ottobrino Butchers, Vintage Tatt, and Antonio’s Continental Deli, next door.

Nearby restaurant Raah, which opened in October 2011, closed last month.

Raah’s owner John Stephenson says high rents had been a contributing factor.

The Beaufort Street Network is examining the problem of gentrification and keeping independent stores on the street in the wake of steep rent increases.

As the street has increased in popularity landlords have jacked up rents, in turn risking the viability of the funky, independent stores that draw the crowds in.

Traders who remain fear a street of bars and chain stores—the only ones that can afford the rent—will turn away the crowds and lead to shops closing for good and not re-opening.

Lease Equity director Andrew Pratt says the Zakka landlord—who also owns adjacent properties—is investigating options and has no firm plans.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK