Five Valleys in Stroud is celebrating a fresh wave of investment this spring, with one long‑established family‑run business relocating to the centre and two popular independents expanding into larger units.
The growth comes at a time when footfall continues to grow and momentum across the centre remains strong, following Dame Joanna Lumley OBE’s visit in April to officially open the completed transformation works and launch the now fully let Home of Vintage.
The latest activity further strengthens Five Valleys’ position as a thriving destination for food, retail, local enterprise alongside key community facilities. Owned and managed by town centre specialists Dransfield Properties, Five Valleys has been transformed with a £31m investment over the last eight years.
Family‑run haberdashery Sew and So is the newest arrival, relocating from its long‑standing Lansdown store to a new unit next to Rough Hands Coffee.
With more than 50 years in Stroud, the business brings an extensive range of knitting supplies, fabrics, craft essentials and expert knowledge to the centre. Headed by Antony Hall, the move reinforces Five Valleys’ growing reputation as a hub for specialist, independent retailers.
Antony Hall said: “It’s been fantastic since opening at Five Valleys and we’re really happy to be here. We’ve got lots planned over the coming months, including workshops in the late afternoons for both adults and children. We’re really pleased to be part of the community here and excited for what’s ahead.”
Two much‑loved Five Valleys businesses are also expanding. Husband and wife team Mandy Turner and Alan Fender of Baked for You have doubled the size of their business in the Food Hall by taking on the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Armadeli. Just 18 months after launching, the pair have built a strong following for their blondies, brownies, cookie pies and creative treats. The larger space will allow them to grow their menu further, including their popular freak shakes and waffle pops.
Mandy said: “Five Valleys has been the perfect home for us – the support from customers and fellow traders has been amazing. Expanding into a bigger space is a huge step for our family business, and we’re excited to keep growing as the centre continues to thrive.”
Their former unit in the Food Hall is now available, creating an exciting opportunity for another new business to join the growing line‑up of independent food operators at Five Valleys.
Another Food Hall favourite Vinnies Mac & Cheese has also taken on a second unit to launch Vinnies Brunch Bar, run by husband‑and‑wife team Katie and Paul Vince. The new concept offers a full breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, including traditional cooked breakfasts, American pancakes, jacket potatoes, baguettes and gluten‑free options — adding even more choice to the Food Hall and reflecting the business’s growing popularity.
Katie Vince said: “We’re thrilled to have opened Vinnies Brunch Bar and the response has been amazing. Expanding with a second unit has allowed us to grow our menu and welcome even more customers throughout the day. Five Valleys has such a supportive community of traders and shoppers, and we’re really proud to be growing our family business here.”
These developments come as Five Valleys continues to experience strong and sustained growth. Footfall has increased every month throughout the first quarter of the year, rising by an average of 12.9%, boosted further by the April opening event with Dame Joanna Lumley OBE, which attracted thousands of visitors and marked the completion of the centre’s multi‑million‑pound transformation.
The Home of Vintage – launched by Dame Joanna in April – is almost fully let, bringing together a vibrant mix of vintage traders, makers and small independents.
Mick Grundy, Centre Manager at Five Valleys, said: “It’s great to welcome Sew and So to Five Valleys and to see two of our existing family‑run businesses expanding. It’s a real vote of confidence in the centre and in Stroud. With footfall continuing to grow, a fully let Home of Vintage and continued investment from local entrepreneurs, Five Valleys is busier, stronger and more vibrant than ever.”
