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

Read more

• Ripon man auctions 255 bottles of whisky for Falklands veterans
• Successful Ripon business built on the art of furniture restoration

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.

Read more: 

• Martin House open new shop in Ripon
• Lightwater Valley fined £330,000
• Ripon’s only department store closes

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.”