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.
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Halls of Ripon, the city’s only department store, will re-open with new traders from tomorrow morning (Wednesday, March 13).
The store on Fishergate closed for a major revamp and reconfiguration in January.
Ahead of tomorrow’s reopening, the Stray Ferret was invited for a sneak peek at the new-look layout.
Halls of Ripon director Mike Cooper (pictured above) said:
“For the next few days, entry will be via the Marshall Way Car Park entrance and Hive Cafe – which has remained open throughout the reconfiguration works.”
He added:
“Following discussions with our landlord, we decided that it was safe to allow customers in to the part of the building where the refurbishment has already been completed. The remaining works on the Fishergate frontage is ongoing.”
Hedley Hall’s vintage vehicles and collectables
The reconfiguration has increased floorspace and Mr Cooper added:
“We will be reopening with new entrants including Timeless Treasures (archaeological finds) Dennis Fielding (antiques and collectables) and Signature Baby Boutique.”
Halls of Ripon’s expanded offer includes a wide range of women’s fashion.
Owned by Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Ltd, the former Wrens store re-opened under its new Halls of Ripon branding in July 2021.
Operations director Barry Cooper, who works alongside his father Mike and runs the Red Buttons Jewellers in Halls, said:
“We anticipated that the post-covid bounce back for Ripon retail would be led by the city’s strong mix of independent businesses and we got it right.
“The proof of the pudding can be seen in the fact that we are expanding when many of the big names on the high street are downsizing their portfolios and closing stores.”
Simon Richardson with his Timeless Treasure stall, is one of the three new entrants.
He added:
“We’re sure that Peacocks who opened a few doors down from us at the end of February, and Trespass who opened in the former Barclays Bank building in November, will have chosen Ripon ahead of other locations.
“This is because Ripon’s mixture of independent retailers and hospitality businesses, combined with affordable parking and £2 fares on the 36 bus all make this historic city an attractive proposition.”
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Halls of Ripon to expand through major reconfiguration
Halls of Ripon, the city’s only department store, is increasing its floorspace as part of a major revamp and reconfiguration.
The store in Fishergate which is home to 16 independent retailers, will be temporarily closed from Friday and is scheduled re-open in early February.
Owned by Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Ltd, the former Wrens store re-opened under its new Halls of Ripon branding in July 2021.
Halls of Ripon director Mike Cooper (pictured below) whose son Barry runs Red Buttons Jewellers within the store, told the Stray Ferret:
“It’s testimony to the strength of Ripon’s independent retail offer that we are expanding when many of the big names on the high street are closing stores.”
He pointed out:
“The demand for space remains very strong and we will be able to satisfy that demand with a reconfiguration that will create room for up to seven more independent businesses.”
Halls of Ripon director Mike Cooper
For Zoe Wotherspoon, who owns the ladies fashion, accessories and gifts retailer Robin Gifts, the increased space is timely.
She said:
“We have done so well since opening our second outlet at Halls last February, that we decided to move out of Harrogate and consolidate our offer at one location.”
Ms Wotherspoon, added:
“The revamp will give us 40 percent more space in the prime location at the front of the store and we feel very confident for the future as we continue to attract new customers.”
While the work at the front half of the department store is under way, The Hive Cafe, which can be accessed from the Marshall Way car park entrance, will remain open throughout.
Keeley Buller who co-owns the business with her partner David Ward, said:
“Over the past 30 months we have built a loyal customer base and the enhancements that will come with the revamp are good news for us.”
In addition to the reconfiguration of the department store, Sterne Properties will be remodelling the building and installing a new roof to create two high quality apartments on the upper floors of the building.
Main image: Zoe Wotherspoon, whose Robin Gifts business is expanding with the increase in floorspace at Halls of Ripon
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Three independent retailers take space at Halls of Ripon
Halls of Ripon department store has welcomed three new independent retailers to its Fishergate premises, while two other businesses have doubled their size.
Operations manager Barry Cooper told the Stray Ferret:
“We now have 16 independents under one roof selling goods ranging from clothing to customised works of art.”
Mr Cooper, (pictured below) added:
“This is the strongest mix of retailers that we have had since we opened in the summer of 2021 and we are looking forward with confidence to our third Christmas of trading here.”
The new entrants include Crazywood, which sells the original works of contemporary pyrography artist Simon Wright, whose wife Tricia (main picture) said:
“The art and craft of burning images into wood is an ancient practice of skill and patience.
“With these skills, along with modern styles and the use of watercolours, stains, textures and oils, amazing reproductions of literally anything can be created.”
Also new to Halls is Janey Mays, a business run by Jane and Mark Coombes, which specialises in steampunk, goth and fantasy goods, including giftware made from upcycled materials.
Jane Coombes, pictured at the Janey Mays stall she runs with husband Mark.
Neighbouring the Janey Mays stall is third new entrant Kimmy Gowland, an artist whose original patterns are printed onto fabric, wallpaper and other materials.
In addition to the businesses taking space for the first time at Halls, Red Buttons Jewellers, run by Mr Cooper and his father Mike, has doubled the size of its presence, as has Robin Gifts, which sells ladies fashion and accessories
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Children’s author launches book at Halls of Ripon
First-time children’s author Jo Jo Stewart visited Halls of Ripon at the weekend for the launch of her book Tigby Tried.
The book, which she has written, illustrated and published, features the adventures of Tigby the crab as he overcomes challenges through sheer determination.
Ms Stewart said her 20 years as a teacher helped her realise how many children had lost confidence due to the lack of interaction brought about by covid. She said:
“My book is aimed at children aged up to seven and its message is ‘Keep trying and never give up’ as exemplified by Tigby.
“In Chinese culture the crab represents rebirth, transformation and renewal and in life, if you can’t move forward for whatever reason, don’t give up – move sideways like Tigby and look for an alternative route to achieve your goals.”
Ms Stewart, who studied children’s illustration at the London College of Art, added:
“My love for collage encouraged me to experiment with my book illustrations, using letters that are individually cut and a bit wonky.
“I want people to remember that the world isn’t perfect, there are lumps, bumps and wobbles and no one is the same.
“The Tigby character may have suffered his own lumps and bumps, but he proves that if you keep trying, no matter how wrong things might go at times, you’ll get there in the end.”
Further details about the book can be found by clicking here.
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Chocolatier’s royal creation is catching the eye at Halls of Ripon
A business newly-arrived at Halls of Ripon department store is catching the eye with its hand-crafted creations that include a chocolate crown inspired by the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Ben Ellis, a former head pastry chef at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, took three months to make the spectacular sculpture using the finest Belgian chocolate, isomalt sugar work, marshmallows and edible inks.
The chocolate crown created by Ben Ellis
Mr Ellis runs Ben Ellis Pastry Chef & Chocolatier with his wife Vicky and specialises in the creation of handmade and hand-painted artisan chocolates, using fresh and raw ingredients, that are gluten free and suitable for anybody who is dairy intolerant or vegan.
He said:
“With the coronation in mind, I decided to make the crown as a showpiece to illustrate what I can do in creating chocolate-based edible art. I’m pleased to say that it has attracted a lot of attention.
“Every aspect of the crown can be eaten, including the jewels made with isomalt and the ermine made from marshmallows.”
Prior to setting up the business with his wife, Mr Ellis worked at a number of large restaurants and hotels in London and as the head pastry chef at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the Chelsea Pensioners and venue for the world-famous annual flower show, he created dishes for members of the royal family.