Despite the challenging climate, we’re seeing new businesses opening up in Stroud, writes Tony Davey.
Brody’s Bistro Bar (formerly of the Five Valleys Market) is completing renovations on the old McColls shop in High Street. This will give them a much-increased space to serve a wider food offering and drinks too. A long-empty part of the old Swan Inn is opening as Craftology to sell gifts and household items, and a former barbers in Kendrick Street is opening as a new nail bar.
This is a sign of a growing local economy, which is thanks to our local communities continuing to invest in their towns by visiting them and using them.
When you shop in a local, independent business, approximately £8 of every £10 you spend recirculates in the local economy. Compare that to just £2-£3 when you spend at a national chain, or almost nothing when you buy online elsewhere. Supporting those local businesses creates more local employment and opportunities in our District too.
In Stroud, the Five Valleys Market will be open every Friday until Christmas from this Friday, plus December will see the late-night opening of a number of shops in the town centre every Thursday evening. The additional opening hours make it easier to shop in town when there is free parking in many car parks, fewer people (which makes browsing easier too) and it’s more convenient for those working during the daytime. There are plenty of eateries open, so you could enjoy a light bite or a meal whilst you’re out.
To access a list of some of the most popular markets and Christmas events, please visit VisitStroud.uk/ChristmasEvents
Tony Davey, Chair of Stroud Chamber of Trade, has teamed up with the Stroud Times to provide regular updates on business life in the town and district.
Tony is a Consultant Technical Product Manager in the IT industry in addition to being the Manager and Principal Balloon Decorator for Party On Up in Stroud.
