End of an Era
23 February 2012 By Robin James
A shop that turned rebellion into mainstream is shutting its doors following a successful sale by Graves Jenkins. Rag Freak in Cranbourne Street, Brighton first opened its doors back in 1969 and initially sold teddy boy and mod gear. In more recent years, the shop focussed on hard core punk, metal and skinhead clothes and accesories and as a result attracted clients from all parts of the country.
Antoinette St Clair- Winston, the manager of Rag Freak, who has been at the shop since it opened, commented, “ the shop has been an institution in Brighton, although it was regarded as an outsider when the business started .“ Ms St Clair- Winston went on to say “ We are very much a Marmite shop – people either love us or hate us. However, since we announced the closure, we have had people coming in everyday asking us not to go. We didn’t realise we were so loved. “
The good news is that the new owner has promised to keep the Union Jack on the front of the newsagents store, considered too much of a landmark to change.
GJ were seeking offers on the asking price of £750,000 for the property, which comprised a shop with basement, together with a 2 bedroom self-contained maisonette on the upper floors. Several expressions of interest were received and a deal very close to the asking price was achieved. “ It is always sad to see an institution leave the city, but the fact that we were able to make a quick sale is testament to the popularity of the area “ commented Robin James.