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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Hundreds gather for Ripon’s Christmas lights switch-on
Hundreds gathered on Ripon Market Square yesterday evening as the city council signalled the beginning of the festive season with its Christmas lights switch-on.
With heavy rain relenting by early afternoon, the crowd, largely made up of family groups, grew throughout the day, visiting the square to see Santa and his reindeer and enjoy the free fairground rides and musical entertainment.
Families met with Santa and his reindeer Alfie, Dancer and Izzy
Among the early visitors to see Santa were two-year-old Taylor, her 12-year-old brother Toby and their mother Catherine (pictured above).
The three free fairground rides proved popular throughout the afternoon and into the evening
Live musical entertainment was provided from 2pm by local singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary, and tribute acts Tamsin and Kaylie and Jersey Beyond (pictured below)
By 5pm when the Mayor of Ripon Cllr Sid Hawke performed the switch-on, the large crowd was in festive mood, joining with him in singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
The Christmas lights on Kirkgate
Among those hoping that Ripon’s traders have a happy and successful festive season is city council leader Cllr Andrew Williams.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“This is going to be a very challenging end of year for the vast majority of people with the cost of living crisis meaning they have less disposable income to spend.”
He added:
“We hope, however, that the lights will help to attract increased footfall and provide a festive boost to the city’s economy with local residents, as well as visitors, supporting Ripon’s independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs by spending their money here.”
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Harrogate men’s fashion retailer relocates to James Street
Men’s fashion retailer Lynx launched in Harrogate almost 40 years ago and opened a shop on West Park in 2003.
Now, the independent business has rebranded and relocated to a state-of-art new premises on the town’s prestigious James Street.
The new larger store boasts two floors and has a new “sleek modernistic feel” – a change from the vintage look of the previous shop.
It is based in the former Hotel Chocolat unit, which moved to a larger site on the same street last October.
Lynx Menswear on James Street.
Owner Guy Hudson said:
“It is our time for change. With an increased young and vibrant team, I want to build on what has been achieved so successfully at our previous store on West Park.”
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Mr Hudson said James Street was the perfect location for the new store, thanks to a resurgence after the challenges of covid.
He added:
Sneak peek: The return of Ripon’s department store“Looking to build on the very positive response after the pessimism and lacklustre of lockdown, the regeneration of independent shops and top brand names on James Street is now at its pinnacle.
“What were empty shop units two years ago are now either under negotiation or full, with the likes of Pret a Manger and Oliver Bonas clearly believing that confidence in this iconic Harrogate high street is returning and we want to be part of it.
“We look forward to welcoming our valued loyal customers and new ones to our fresh look and location showcasing our individual European edit.”
A new-look independent high street venture opens in a familiar Ripon setting at 9am tomorrow.
Halls of Ripon is in the Fishergate building that formerly housed the Philip Hall and Wrens department stores.
The coronavirus crisis signalled the end for some retailers in towns and city centres, but four former Wrens tenants kept their dream for independents alive.
Linda Liversidge at her Legs & Co stall, where she sells classic and vintage fashion for women and men
Mike and Liz Cooper, Hedley Hall and Lloyd Sheard devised a plan while selling their respective goods from a temporary location in Queen Street.
Tomorrow, their dream becomes reality.
Mr Cooper told the Stray Ferret:
“We are home to 22 small retailers – 15 of which are coming to open in high-street premises for the first time.
“The demand for space has been phenomenal and we have attracted a great mix of businesses, selling items ranging from hand-made gifts and home furnishings, to womenswear and jewellery.”
Keeley Buller and her partner David Ward will be selling cakes, beverages and other refreshments at The Hive coffee shop within Halls of Ripon
He added:
“Our aim is to take independent retailing in the city into a new era, while creating a department store experience with a level of service that is attractive to customers.
“Each retailer has their own facilities for debit and credit card transactions.”
Traders who also want sell online can call on Ben Butler, who is running his e-commerce sales and marketing business at Halls of Ripon.
Goods on sale include famous-name model vintage cars
Mr Hall’s antiques, collectables and vintage model business was in the former Wrens department store from the day it opened.
He said:
“Mark Butler’s highly innovative and award-winning concept sadly suffered because of the covid lockdowns at key trading periods last summer and pre-Christmas.
“We have taken his ideas forward and, by continuing to provide affordable space with no strings attached, have created a platform designed to help small businesses to succeed.”
A broad spectrum of retailers have joined the department store
Because of its long history, heritage and natural attractions, Ripon in non-covid times has benefited from year-round trade brought by tourists and the local population.
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Mr Sheard pointed out:
‘Independent shops will lead Ripon’s revival’, says ex-Wrens owner“There has always been the demand for a department store of this nature in Ripon.
“It is attractive to traders like myself, because it is in a fantastic location for footfall.”
Philly Butler firmly believes there is a bright future for independent retailers in Ripon.
For eight years, she and husband Mark provided a base at Wrens department store for fledgling businesses — more than a dozen of which grew and set up their own shops in the city.
‘The house of independent retailers’, as Wrens was known, closed this month after the cumulative effects of lockdown lost trade in the crucial summer and pre-Christmas periods took its toll.
Among 52 Wrens’ occupiers that had to look for a new location to sell their goods was Philly’s own fashion and accessories business Daisy Clover Boutique.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“Mark and I hoped above hope that we could continue with Wrens, but lost business along with the shut down of our tea room because of social distancing requirements were killer blows.”
But despite the disastrous impact of covid on retailers large and small, Philly remains confident of a post-coronavirus comeback for the high street in Ripon. She said:
“I think that the ‘shop local’ message has finally resonated with people who realise that independents are an important part of the community and you are being served by your friends and sometimes neighbours.”
A selection of winter hats at the Daisy Clover boutique
She added:
“Before I could find new premises, I received dozens of calls from customers asking where they were going to be able to get their winter hats.
“These are people who ask and care about my children and the family pets and these type of relationships have been built by retailers right across Ripon.”
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Ripon’s vacant shops are smaller than those in bigger retail centres, such as Harrogate and Leeds.
Smaller units are likely be much easier to fill than large units vacated by the likes of Debenhams, which could be to Ripon’s advantage.
Philly said:
“Units of this size don’t remain empty for long in Ripon, because in normal times, small businesses with something special to offer can rely on footfall all year round, from summer tourists, to market day visitors and loyal local customers.”
Her niche is an ever-changing display of one-off hand-selected womenswear made mostly from cotton, silk or cashmere and imported from Europe.
Philly also has another string to her bow as a perfume designer who helps people create customised aromas for themselves or as personalised gifts. She said:
Former Wrens retailers relocate to new Ripon base“At times like these, it’s amazing how the smell of a lovely scent can raise your spirits.”
It’s business as usual for two independent retailers, following the closure of Wrens department store in Ripon.
Mike and Liz Cooper and Hedley Hall have made the short journey from Fishergate to Queen Street, after Wrens’ owner Mark Butler helped them find new premises.
Mike and Liz sell jewellery, watches, fine porcelain and furniture at their Red Buttons business; Hedley specialises in antiques, collectables and vintage models.
They had traded together at Wrens for seven years.
Mike and Liz Cooper at the newly-opened shop premises they share with Hedley Hall
With some swift action and negotiation with the landlord, the two businesses were able to make their move.
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They look forward to successful trading in the crucial Christmas period and beyond.
Mike told the Stray Ferret:
“Liz and I have always got on very well with Hedley and it’s great that we are still working together.
“Mark was very helpful in letting us know about the vacant shop and putting us in touch with the landlord.”
Among its services, Red Buttons transforms jewellery into custom-crafted pieces.
Mike, who learnt his skills during 30 years at Goldsmiths jewellers, following 12 years in the Royal Navy, said:
“Our business at Wrens just grew and grew, alongside a good mixture of other independent retailers.”
Liz, added:
“It was a real shame when Mark reached the point where he could no longer make it work after two periods of lockdown. We thank him for what he has done for us.”
Hedley expressed similar sentiments:
“Mark is an absolute gentleman and has played a major role in helping numerous small businesses in Ripon – my own included.
“It is important for Ripon to have vibrant, independent shops and other businesses, which add to the attraction of the city for residents and visitors alike.
“We all have a part to play in its success as a retail destination.”