More than a thousand customers visited Halls of Ripon when the department store opened on Saturday.
Hedley Hall, who, with Liz and Mike Cooper, has brought the former Wrens building in Fishergate back to life, told the Stray Ferret:
“It was fantastic and we were busy all day.”
He pointed out:
“The decision to use the Halls name proved a real winner, as it resonated with people.”
Mr Hall, added:
“The Hive coffee shop also proved very popular.”
Hedley Hall (left) with customers at his antiques and collectables stall
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Department stores of different names have been at 20, Fishergate since 1950 – most recently Wrens, which closed before Christmas.
Prior to that, the Philip Hall store occupied the site for 53 years. With its new look and mix of 22 retailers, Halls is building on the concept introduced by former Wrens owner Mark Butler.
He provided low-cost space to bring together independent retailers under one roof. For 15 of those now trading at Fishergate, it’s their first experience of running a retail unit in high street premises.
Among them was Emma Crossley of Bud Floral Design.
She said:
“The Halls of Ripon opening was highly-successful for me – I was selling all day and also took orders.”
As well as being a base for sales, the high street location has provided Ms Crossley with a showcase for her floral design skills.
David Ward of The Hive Coffee Shop, which he runs with partner Keeley Buller, added:
“We were serving people from the moment we opened and there was a steady flow of customers.”
