Tom Berry is chair of the Stroud Chamber of Commerce and Trade and owner of independent record shop Sound Records. As we approach 2025, Tom will be writing regular columns focussing on the retail landscape of the town.
There’s little doubt that Britain’s high streets have taken a battering in recent years. First, we had Covid and then, just as we emerged from this unprecedented event, we faced a cost of living crisis.
Footfall across the country’s high streets, shopping centres and retail parks is 15-20 per cent lower than before the pandemic, and continued to decline in 2024. Stroud, like everywhere else, has undoubtedly suffered. Empty units have become commonplace in towns across the country, and we are no exception.
Despite all this I have a sense of optimism as we enter 2025. Stroud has seen a number of businesses open or expand in the last six months; Juliet restaurant opened at the end of October and has been full pretty much since; Peacocks and Sports Direct have opened in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, and Humphries and Begg have moved their clothing operation to larger premises on Kendrick Street. Montpellier Legal have moved into the town and Murrays Estate Agents have relocated to new premises – and more business openings are planned for early 2025.
This isn’t to ignore the challenges that businesses in Stroud town and the wider district face. The environment is very difficult and changes announced in the recent budget are likely to provide more challenges this coming year. It’s for this reason that I believe we all need to get behind our business community. It’s easy to sit behind a keyboard saying things aren’t what they used to be but there are a number of local people really trying to make a go of things and trying to make our area more vibrant. They need your help.
I visited many of our businesses in December and I was really struck by the fantastic offer we have on our doorstep. I visited Mosaic on Kendrick Street and couldn’t believe the wide range of clothing they provide. Fireside and R&R Books have an incredible selection of secondhand reading options and Confection Affection has every sweet a child (or adult) could possibly want.
The Five Valleys shopping centre is feeling vibrant for the first time in a long time and there are hidden gems in the Brunel Mall. From tattooists in Nelson Street to a kitchen store on the High Street, we have a really great offer if people just come and find it.
We also have a fantastic food and drink offering – from Cuban Sandwiches at Los Cubanos to cocktails at Holy Water. Vegan food at Karibu to burgers at the Peanut Deli.
It’s not just Stroud either. Nailsworth, Dursley, Wotton-under-Edge and Berkeley all have their own reasons to visit, and as a district we really do offer something for everybody. Last year’s opening of the Stroud Hotel will only increase the number of visitors so the future can be bright.
At this time of year, it is customary to make new resolutions. One that will really make a difference to you and your community is for you to shop local and invest in the local economy.
It’s a great feeling knowing that the money you spend will benefit other local people rather than faceless multinationals and by making just a few purchases locally each week rather than online you can be supporting Stroud district and the people who live in it.
