Lovers Adult Stores hopes to move into Clarkson despite complaints

CLARKSON store owners say a proposed adult store could damage their businesses.

The City of Wanneroo has advertised an application made to change an empty Marmion Avenue shop, formerly a hairdresser, to restricted premises.

Ocean Keys Sewing Centre owner Faye Peskett, whose store is adjacent to the proposed store, said it was “a shock”.

“I got quite upset,” she said.

“I’m a nice little sewing machine shop; I don’t want an adult shop next to me.”

Ms Peskett said she was concerned some of her clients, particularly seniors, would not want to visit the centre.

“They’re of the generation where they will feel too embarrassed to come in, they won’t want to park out the front,” she said.

“I don’t have anything against having a shop like that; I just feel it’s the wrong position for it. I don’t think it’s appropriate right here on Marmion Avenue.”

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Eagles Boys Clarkson would also abut the store and owner Bryce Adams said he was worried it would impact his business.

“We’re a family venue, with underage staff and mostly girls aged 15, 16, 17. We sponsor local junior sports and (children) come in to get their achievement awards. I’m not sure as a parent, how I’d feel dropping a seven or eight-year-old off when there’s an adult shop next door,” he said.

As well as the perception to customers, he said it could affect the store as a preferred employer.

“I’m not against them but I just don’t think it needs to be located next to fast food outlets with underage staff,” he said. “We’ll be voicing our concerns.”

Lovers Adult Stores managing director Karl Frost confirmed the business had submitted a planning application to the City and said it had operated at locations around Perth since 2002.

“We have conducted the necessary inquiries before lodging our application, have provided a full package of information to the council for consideration and are confident that we have addressed all the required planning elements,” he said.

“While we appreciate there can be concerns about the establishment of adult stores, we would like to take the opportunity to advise the community that we are a reputable operator, the store requires patrons to be over 18 years of age, the interior is not visible from outside and the store will provide for retail sales only.

“Given our track record of establishing and operating long-term businesses within a range of commercial precincts in Perth, we are confident we can operate in an appropriate manner in the Clarkson location.”

The application is open for submissions until March 1.