Ripon’s high street is bouncing back, as the city emerges from 18 months of covid lockdowns.
Independent retailers, regional and national chains, are taking over voids in readiness for the Christmas period.
The former Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden Home stores on Market Place East Kirkgate are being prepared for new occupiers.
Both long-established brands closed in October, as owners Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group went into liquidation amid trading conditions that it described as a ‘brutal environment.’
The Kirkgate premises will be home to the family-run business Clayton’s Carpets, Home and Gifts, which also has a shop in Pateley Bridge High Street.
Mountain Warehouse is relocating to a unit previously occupied by The Edinburgh Woollen Mill.
Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Mountain Warehouse, which currently has a small shop in Fishergate, is making the short move across Market Square.
Its relocation to larger premises is due to be completed within the next four weeks.
An autumn opening has been scheduled by Loungers Limited – the national café-bar chain – for its Claro Lounge on Market Place South.
Located next door to Ripon Town Hall, the building, which was formerly a Natwest bank branch, has been vacant since 2018.
The Claro Lounge is due to open this autumn
An autumn opening is also planned in The Arcade by Yorkshire Cancer Research in the 4,000 sq ft unit formerly occupied by a Fultons Foods store, which closed in February.
Along with new entrant The Real Junk Food Project, which redistributes surplus food, The Arcade will be home to four of Ripon’s 12 charity outlets.
Halls of Ripon which opened last month
The mall underwent a £100,000 refurbishment after Bradford-based property development and investment company Frank Marshall Estates acquired it in 2019 from the Westcourt Group.
The imminent arrival of new names in the city centre, follows the opening in July of Halls of Ripon in Fishergate – where more than 20 retailers and The Hive coffee shop are located.
Read more:
Halls name proves a hit for Ripon department store
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.”
Sneak peek: The return of Ripon’s department store
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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- See which Ripon regular predicted England’s winning score
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Mr Sheard pointed out:
Former Wrens store to re-open as Halls of Ripon“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.”
Six months after Ripon’s only department store shut its doors, a comeback is just weeks away. The pre-Christmas closure of award-winning Wrens, was a body blow to the city.
But the building, in its prime footfall location, will reopen next month as Halls of Ripon.
Like Wrens, the new venture will be home, to a wide range of independent retailers.
Mike Cooper who owns Red Buttons Jewellers with his wife Liz, is spearheading the new enterprise with Hedley Hall.
Mr Hall, who owns an antiques, collectables and vintage models business, has traded alongside Mr and Mrs Cooper for many years.
Wrens department store pictured before its closure in December
First they were together at Wrens and then they relocated to temporary premises on Queen Street.
Mr Cooper told the Stray Ferret:
“Between us, we kept the dream of returning to our former base alive. Now it’s becoming a reality.
“There is tremendous demand for space. That makes us confident that once covid is behind us, we will can return to Fishergate by popular demand, ready for a successful summer and beyond. In addition to a strong and complementary range of retailers, there will be a cafe.”
Mr Hall, pointed out:
“My namesake, Philip Hall ran a highly-successful department store in Ripon for 50 years. It later became Wrens, under Mark Butler’s ownership and innovative management.
“Now, we are preparing for the next chapter in the story.”
Read more:
- How the coronavirus crisis caused the closure of Wrens in Ripon
- Violence and vandalism on Ripon’s streets
Among the independent retailers taking space at Halls of Ripon, is Lloyd Sheard, with his home furnishings goods.
He said:
“There has always been the demand for a department store of this nature in Ripon.
“It’s a fantastic location for footfall, in a city with a depth of history and attractions ranging from the Cathedral to the canal.”
Mr Sheard, added:
“As well as being a magnet for tourists, the kind of goods sold here by the independent retailers also attract local shoppers.
“That guarantees year-round trade – something all retailers need.”
While looking to the future, Mr Cooper believes that a little nostalgia will be appealing to customers.
He said:
“We decided on the Halls of Ripon name because of the association with Philip Hall and his famous department store.
“It was founded here in 1950 and to celebrate our opening we are creating the Halls of Fame competition.
“We will award prizes to people who can provide us with memorabilia relating to the former Philip Hall store.
“The items received will be used to create a display showing the history of department store shopping in Ripon. “
Drop in vacant shops boosts hope for high streets
The deputy leader of Harrogate Borough Council has said he is “extremely optimistic” about high streets recovering from the covid crisis as he revealed positive economic data boosted by the reopening.
Cllr Graham Swift, who is also cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said the percentage of vacant shops across the district had fallen to 6.8% in March – a “significant improvement” from 8.6% around this time last year.
He added data on people’s movements showed the number of visitors to rural areas had returned to pre-pandemic levels, although Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon had not yet reached this point.
Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council
Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Swift said:
“I’m extremely optimistic. The rural areas are already seeing traffic flow of people movements, as measured by Google, back to pre-pandemic levels.
“The three major conurbations are not back to pre-pandemic levels yet but the fact is retail is looking extremely positive and I’m very hopeful we will see a strong bounce back in the economy.”
Shops classed as vacant are those not paying business rates to the council.
Cllr Swift said the strongest performing areas for this currently are Boroughbridge, which has just one vacant shop, and Pateley Bridge, which has a vacancy rate of 2.5%.
Read more:
- Row over Ripon and Knaresborough markets ahead of council talks
- Wetherby Road newsagent to be converted to hairdressers
His comments followed a question from Boroughbridge councillor Robert Windass, who said members of the public were “curious” over the current state of high streets during the pandemic.
Cllr Swift responded:
“We are now seeing considerable extension of the opening up and unlocking of the country. Last week we saw the opening up of non-essential retail on April 12.
“I went into Harrogate on that morning and was overwhelmed by the innovation and creativity that is going on, particularly around the bar and hospitality sector who have used limited spaces to create exciting opportunities to open up.
“I was very, very impressed by the sector but most important to this question is what is going to be happening in the near future.”
He added:
“There has been a lot of talk over the last few months about Harrogate as a district and how its towns and city have responded to retail sector closures.
“A lot of people count the stores to see which ones are open or closed. In a case where we are in lockdown, it’s obvious that people will see things closed and think they have withdrawn from the site.
“But in actual fact, what we record are the business rate activities of these retail sectors and I’m extremely heartened by the fact that as of March 2021 our retail sector has improved.”
The latest unemployment figures for the district show a slight increase with 3,625 people claiming out-of-work benefits in February, according to the Office for National Statistics.
This equates to 3.8% of the population aged 16 to 64 and is up from 3,460 in January.
Meanwhile, the number of people in the district who were furloughed from their jobs was 12,300 in February, according to the latest HM Revenue & Customs figures.
This was an increase from 9,100 in December, before the third national lockdown began.
Stray Ferret Secret Shopper: 6 reasons to shop in Harrogate todayA bit about me: I’m not a Stray Ferret staffer, I am a consumer journalist who loves shopping and loves Harrogate. Just in case you don’t know how lucky you are to have this thriving town centre with its fabulous independents alongside the high street big names, I’m here to show you what’s caught my eye in the excitement of the first week of the stores reopening. The items I have picked are my personal choices – I have not been paid to feature them.
WALKING BOOTS
Joules, James Street. £89.95
Let’s face it, after nearly three months of trudging through mud with one other person, our walking boots are completely knackered by over-use aren’t they? With lots more outdoor socializing on the agenda, spring walks will look even more tempting, and stylish, with these cute, lightweight, super comfy upgrades.
BACKPACK
Marks and Spencer, Cambridge Street. £39.50
It’s tucked away in the menswear section upstairs – but this backpack is perfectly suitable for women too. The rubberized finish is very cool as well as water repellent, and there’s a handy internal padded laptop compartment. My only complaint is that the Harrogate branch doesn’t stock the larger rucksack with a fold-over top in the same fabric, nor (that I can see) the range of rainwear jackets in the same material – also missing. This range is very fashionable and about a half to two thirds the price of a similar Scandinavian version which might have inspired it. Plus, from my extensive consumer research (ie going round the shops whenever I can), I know that there are other covetable items that M&S aren’t carrying in Harrogate, either. Why not M&S?
LAVADA SOAP
Hoopers, St James Street. £4.75
Editor’s choice: “The best soap in the world”, apparently. Well, it’s an Italian, triple milled natural vegetal soap from Florence so she may well be on to something. As well as lavender they do an iris and a cedar scented version which is more masculine. Plus, it being Hoopers, there’s a whole table of other tempting soaps from this and other brands, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
PYJAMA SETS
Jigsaw, James St. Short sleeve and shorts set £80, Long sleeve and long leg set £85
I love Toile De Jouy patterns on fabric, and blue on white is my favourite of all. I’m immediately transported to 18th century country life: I can almost hear the harpsichord tinkling in the background. On closer inspection this particular print features punks with spiky clothes and Mohican haircuts and racing cars, which makes it even better.
STRIPEY TRAINERS AND BAG
Moda in Pelle, West Park. Trainers £109.95, Bag £89.95.
Strictly speaking you may not need any more trainers but the metallic rainbow stripes are just so cheerful. The bag has an adjustable chain handle, two inner compartments, zip pocket and a phone holder. The fashion jury is out on the wisdom of full accessory co-ordination but if you want to – hell, why not?
MOTHER OF PEARL ART DECO EVENING BAG,
Antique Market, Montpelier Mews. £68.
Bear with me on this. It’s a beautiful, glamorous piece of craftsmanship and history, in great condition, plus I reckon its big enough to fit your phone and bank cards in. Totally unique and a very fair price. I hope it soon finds a careful owner who will treasure it.
More next month! Keep shopping and keep Harrogate great.
If you have seen something that might catch our Secret Shoppers eye please email the Stray Ferret on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and mark it for her attention. </strong
WATCH: Harrogate basks in the sun as shopping and dining returnsHarrogate basked in the sun today as outdoor dining and shopping returned.
From today non-essential shops, hair and beauty salons, gyms and spas have been allowed to open.
It was a day many people had long looked forward to and it did not disappoint, with lots of people flocking to the town centre and some describing it as “absolutely glorious”.
The Stray Ferret went to North Bar, West Park Hotel and the high street to see how people were feeling about the big day.
Read more:
- Police and council to check Harrogate venues comply with outdoor rule
- Hair cuts at last! 6.30am queue forms for Ripon barbers
German supermarket chain Lidl has submitted plans to open its first store in Harrogate.
If approved, the supermarket would create about 40 full and part-time jobs on the site of the former Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road.
The multi-million pound proposal includes a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 94 parking spaces.
It would open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Lidl GB said in a statement a public consultation in November revealed 87 per cent of more than 1,000 responses supported the scheme.
Harrogate Borough Council must now adjudicate on whether to accept plans to redevelop the site, which is surrounded by hoardings.
Read more:
Robert Beaumont, Lidl property director for the north of England, said:
“Following this extremely positive feedback, we have now submitted a planning application for the site to Harrogate Borough Council.
“We have been looking forward to bringing a new store to Harrogate for a while and we hope that the council agrees that this is a great location for a new supermarket to serve the local community.”
Lidl entered the UK market in 1994 and now has more than 800 stores across the country, including one in Knaresborough.
Harrogate shoppers say Debenhams will be much missedShoppers in Harrogate have spoken of their disappointment that Debenhams is to close after the company announced it was entering administration.
A failed deal with another major retailer means the company is set to enter liquidation.
The Harrogate store reopened yesterday offering shoppers their usual products at discounted prices.
But staff face uncertain futures as they await news of a confirmed closure date. The demise of Debenhams came a day after Ripon’s only department store Wrens, announced it would not be opening again after lockdown.
Shopper Rose Dykes was among those sad to see Debenhams go. She said:
“Debenhams has been here for a long, long time.
“I think it will be really missed in Harrogate.”
Rose says the store will be ‘missed’ in Harrogate.
Read more:
- Debenhams announces it is entering administration.
- WATCH as Harrogate shoppers speak of their excitement to be able to head back to the high street yesterday.
Harrogate shoppers excited to be back as high street reopens
People in Harrogate spoke today of their relief about shops reopening after a month-long lockdown.
Today’s easing of covid restrictions allowed businesses to swing open their doors and there were plenty of eager shoppers there to support them.
A strong ‘shop local’ message has been pushed during the pandemic and it seems people in Harrogate today were keen to heed it and keep their high street shops alive.
Beryl Westerman said she was glad to be out again after staying inside for the past month:
“It’s lovely to come out and see people again.”
Beryl was glad to be back out and about again.
Read more:
- Knaresborough shop owners are “positive” as they reopen their doors today.
- Wrens in Ripon is closing its doors for good.
The pandemic has had a huge impact on some retailers.
Huge names such as Debenhams have fallen into administration following losses in trade. Some others won’t be opening their doors again.
The run-up to Christmas will be a crucial time for those that have survived the second lockdown.