Islington retailers fear decline following last cafe closure

Retailers in the Islington suburb of Newcastle are expressing concern over a sharp decline in foot traffic following the closure of Slingtown, the area’s last sit-down cafe. Local business owners report a drastic drop in weekend revenue; for example, Liesel Rickarby, co-owner of the vintage shop Stoned Saint Moon, reported Saturday earnings falling from approximately $1,000 to just $27.

Traders fear the loss of the local coffee culture, noting that previous establishments such as Peaberry’s, Pino’s, and Billy Buttons have also closed. Business owners suggest that without dining and cafe options to attract visitors, customers are increasingly traveling elsewhere, threatening the livelihoods of specialty retailers that define the suburb’s cultural identity.