One of Perth’s most popular cafe and shopping strips has become a victim of belt-tightening, changing shopping habits and high rents, with a handful of independent shops to shut.

Leederville stalwarts Black Plastic, Oxford Street Books and Elroy Clothing, which have been on or around Oxford Street for between 20 and 30 years, are all closing their doors. The owners blame falling foot traffic, growing competition from online and, in some cases, high rents.

Other recent closures include fashion boutique Harry & Gretel, which moved from Leederville to Doubleview last year, and cafes Cosmos Kebabs and Nood Food. Theo’s Music in nearby West Leederville will close at the end of the month.

Brick-and-mortar independent retailers on Perth streets have faced tough conditions for years. Independent shops have been squeezed out of popular shopping strips such as Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley, Rokeby Road in Subiaco and King Street in Perth, often in favour of food and beverage tenants or chain stores.

Camera Icon Paul Fitzroy in his Leederville store Black Plastic. Credit: Ian Munro

Paul Fitzroy owns gift shop Black Plastic, which is just off Oxford Street, and the nearby Urban Depot.

Having opened Black Plastic three decades ago with $1000, he was more philosophical than bitter about the decision to close.

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Mr Fitzroy chalked the tough conditions up to a “perfect storm” of cost pressures that meant people had less disposable income, Leederville’s evolution into an entertainment precinct and a younger generation who shopped online or spent their money going out.

“It’s a population issue, it’s a tourism issue, it’s an online issue, it’s mortgage stress,” he said. “People haven’t got the disposable income like they once did. I don’t think shopping’s relevant any more ... people are more interested in going out.”

Oxford Street Books co-owner Sharon Barry said business had decreased in the past two or three years, while rent had increased steadily. “Leederville foot traffic has dropped significantly, but so has the number of those people who are actually spending money,” she said.

“Commercial rents in certain areas just don't match the business it’s possible to generate in order to pay it. I can see Leederville going the way of Subiaco, which would be a huge shame.”