Home   Spalding   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Traders plead with shoppers to get out and support South Holland's shops




‘Come and see what Spalding has to offer’ is the message from independent traders - who are gearing up to reopen next week.

After a difficult three months in lockdown, retailers are hoping to see a surge of shoppers visiting Spalding from Monday - as well as supporting stores in Holbeach, Long Sutton, Donington and Crowland.

While Spalding has lost a string of big name stores in the last year, the town is still proud of its host of independent traders.

Staff at Hills Department Store, Spalding (45919294)
Staff at Hills Department Store, Spalding (45919294)

With the launch of the reborn Hills Department Store along with Charmed Interiors, Bookmark (which re-opens in May), Robert Goddard and a variety of jewellers, antique stores and the market, traders say they can cater for all.

The town also boasts a number of popular cafes and restaurants, who will offer takeaway services again.

Sue Stubley, of Occasions Jewellers in Bridge Street, feels independent traders can offer an experience and service which online retailers cannot match.

She said: “If the people don’t come back to the town, it will die and we will lose the shops.

“It makes a huge difference if people spend in independent shops it makes it worthwhile. We can offer an experience of friendliness and customer service that you can’t get online.

“I think people will be surprised if they took the time to look around and support local shops.”

Well-known trader Anna Avery, who owns Flowers N Things and Penningtons, is also urging people to support the town.

She said: “People need to come and support the town centre as it has a lot more going for it than people realise. We take it for granted.”

Eleanor Read and Sam Bradley in the new Hills
Eleanor Read and Sam Bradley in the new Hills

Hills Department Store has been revamped by the new owner Scott Crowson and is set to offer a host of new brands.

Mr Crowson, who also owns Coney’s in Boston and Lincoln, is looking forward to welcoming shoppers back into the Broad Street store.

He said: “I think people are bored of shopping online. They want to get out and have an experience. Here we have everything under one roof: you can buy make-up, fragrance, have a glass of prosecco and lunch.

“People want to stay locally. We found when we re-opened in Boston, after the first lockdown, there was a pent-up demand which had people appreciate what they had in the town It was like Christmas.

“Service is our unique selling point. People like to shop in small independent towns where they know the member of staff.”



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More