The city’s ongoing retail revival received a Good Friday boost, with HALLS of Ripon department store opening its new showcase frontage this morning.
Ripon’s only department store closed for a major reconfiguration in January, but partially reopened on March 13.
This morning store director Mike Cooper told the Stray Ferret:
“We are delighted to be fully reopen for this important Easter trading period.”
The new display counters at Red Buttons Jewellers
He said:
“We had people working here through the night to make sure that our front doors on Fishergate would be open today.
“Now customers will be able to see the full picture of how the refurbishment has enabled us to revamp the layout, while creating space for existing independent traders to expand and for new entrants to set up business here.”
Zoe Wotherspoon, whose Robin Gifts ladies fashion and accessories occupies the prime front of store position, said:
“We were desperate to get open for the busy holiday period and look forward to welcoming existing and new customers to see what we are offering.
“In addition to our spring and summer fashions, we have introduced a new range of Ripon and Yorkshire cushions to add to the home and personal accessories that we sell.”
The reconfiguration has enabled her business to expand by 40 percent, while Linda Liversidge, proprietor of Montpellier Dressers – which, like Robin Gifts was previously located in Harrogate – has also expanded and increased its range of vintage high end fashion and accessories.
Ms Liversidge (pictured above) said:
“I started with one stall here and now have four. It’s such a good location for the type of goods that I sell.”
During the transformative works, entry was via the Marshall Way Car Park entrance and the Hive Cafe – which was able to remain open throughout.”
Hedley Hall’s vast array of vintage models and collectables has a fresh new look
Owned by Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Limited, the former Wrens store reopened under its new HALLS of Ripon branding in July 2021.
Main image: Zoe Wotherspoon owner of Robin Gifts, is pictured outside HALLS of Ripon’s now reopened Fishergate entrance with director Mike Cooper.
Read more:
- Ripon-based property company plans further investment in the city
- Famous Halls retail name back on Ripon high street
