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17
Jun 2020
Ripon department store hopes summer trade will secure its future
Wrens, the Ripon department store that is home to 55 independent retailers, reopened on Tuesday, hoping that summer trade will secure its future.
Owner Mark Butler, told The Stray Ferret:
Day trippers, visitors and holiday makers who stay in the Ripon area, make up 65 percent of the store's customer base. With air travel out for many this summer, retailers hope that more people will stay in the holiday homes and nearby caravan sites and come to the city to spend their money.
Mr Butler pointed out:
Wrens was established seven years ago, when the Fishergate premises, previously occupied by the Philip Hall department store, was transformed into an outlet that helps small independent retailers enter the market place at low financial risk, with affordable short to medium term leases.
The success of the concept, launched by Mr Butler and his wife, Philomena, can be seen in different parts of the city: Fig & Willow gift-shop, Antiques and Collectables, Eastwick handbags and the Easylearn toy shop, are all among Ripon retailers, formerly based at Wrens, who now have their own shops.
The department store continues to feature an eclectic mixture of retailers, from a cooper who turns the ends of barrels into unique clocks, to a trader who sells vintage toys and train sets.
Read more:
- Ripon Cathedral re-opens to the public for private prayer
- Ripon Post Office to move to more accessible location
In addition to handmade gifts, cards and collectables, there is a large women's wear section and furniture department.
In 2014 Wrens received recognition for the ingenious way in which it nurtures new retail businesses with an award from the small business network and advice hub, Ingenious Britain,.
Now, Mr Butler and the retailers that he works with, will be showing all the ingenuity that they can to ensure that they make it through the tough times that lie ahead.
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