There’s something of a renaissance taking place beneath our noses, and we couldn’t be happier about it
There’s plenty to shout about in Derbyshire’s high streets(Image: Derby Telegraph)
Queues along the street, sold-out shelves, and very quick expansion plans. “Out with the new and in with the old” seems to be the mantra as traditional shops make a huge comeback in Derbyshire.
There has been plenty of doom and gloom in the last decade or so surrounding the British high street. Banks have closed, crime seems to be getting worse, and foot traffic is suffering.
But with the world at our fingertips and big brands selling everything under the sun, it seems some shoppers have had enough.
We have spoken to several traders for this article, but the craze is especially relevant for Luke Barker, who saw so much success at his new butcher’s shop at Park Farm, Allestree, that he was left with no choice but to open another, this time in Oakwood.
Business was good in Allestree, but at Oakwood, it’s gone to a whole new level.
They sold out of stock entirely on their first day, and business has barely slowed down since – something that’s left Luke scratching his head.
“We knew we’d be popular in Oakwood, but the reception we’ve had is just off the charts,” said Luke.
(L-R) John Hill, Mick Dawe and Luke Barker, of Park Farm and Oakwood Butchers(Image: Park Farm Butchers)
When asked whether he thinks a butcher would see queues like this a decade or so ago, he remarked: “I don’t think so, and it’s a sign of the times.
“I think people have become fed up with supermarkets for many different reasons, but the difference in quality is at the top of the list.
“The meat is all foreign, mass-produced, mass-processed, injected with water and preservatives. People are sick of it. They want proper food, and I think that’s why it’s so busy.
“You also don’t get that face-to-face service, and with us, you can get whatever you want.
“If you want one sausage, one strip of bacon, one tomato, you can’t do that with a supermarket.
“Here, and at other independents, you can get whatever you need, have a conversation, and get whatever suits you. There’s a reason it’s always worked, and people are starting to realise it.”
When asked if he had any plans of opening a third store, Luke chuckled and said: “You never know, there might just be something on the cards.”
Another success story came just earlier this month when a new bakery-café hybrid opened its doors in Belper.
Strutt Bakehouse’s small team have been running around non-stop trying to keep up with their many customers, who on numerous occasions have been queuing around the block just to try owner Ellie Blount’s delicious cinnamon buns and pastries.
While it’s not your traditional bakery, the sweet treats seem to go that extra mile, from Basque cheesecake, rather than normal cheesecake, to pistachio cinnamon buns, rather than normal cinnamon buns.
“I feel like these traditional shops did die off a bit a few years ago, and I think we all became a little too reliant on supermarkets, which is fine, of course,” said Ellie.
Strutt Bakehouse’s Ellie Blount pictured with Tyla Nixon (left) and Elliana Brown (right)(Image: Derby Telegraph)
“But what we’re seeing now is people starting to care, not only about supporting independents, but also because they care about what they eat.
“Cake and pastries shouldn’t have dozens of ingredients and preservatives, and while getting a cinnamon bun isn’t exactly healthy, it’s better than a lot of the food we tend to eat.
“I feel like we’ve opened at the right time. There seems to be a big shift in the way people are shopping and going about their lives, and we’re really happy to be part of it.”
We’re not shy about singing Belper’s praise at Derbyshire Live, and there are two shops on the award-winning King Street that have survived the rise, fall, and rise again of these traditional shops.
Fleur Florist is arguably the most colourful and best-smelling shop in the Amber Valley, and owner Rachel Collins is proud to be part of such a bustling town centre.
The floristry industry ebbs and flows, often getting busy around Christmas and dropping off a little in January – but as soon as the sun comes out, it’s all systems go.
Rachel notes that every town centre used to have at least one florist, but as big names disappear in the area, business seems to go through Fleur.
“You’d be surprised at how many people visit us from all over,” said Rachel.
“It’s great being on a bus route. We have people coming from south of Derby, Chesterfield – we even have some customers come from Sheffield, which is just crazy to think.
Rachael Collins from Fleur in King Street(Image: Derby Telegraph)
“People say that all these traditional shops are dying trades, but that’s because supermarkets have taken over the world.
“It’s massively important to keep florists going, and all these other wonderful shops should be cherished and supported by town centres. None of these trades should ever disappear, so it’s nice to see successes across the board.”
And here’s one shop that’s survived the times
Alfred Tomes Ironmongers in Belper continues to trade in the town more than 100 years after it first moved to Amber Valley.
It opened its doors in 1918, just weeks after the end of the First World War, after Alfred Tomes, a Quaker, was released from prison after refusing to fight during the war.
Now, his great-grandson, Paul, and his grandaughter-in-law (Paul’s mum) Jean, have carried that tradition into the 21st century.
It operates as more of a general DIY store, offering everything from nuts and bolts to plungers and gardenware – as large DIY chains continued to appear across the UK, the family had to figure out how to survive alongside them.
It’s a fine example of a traditional shop that’s changed with the times, but still offering that hearty face-to-face experience that you simply don’t get with big businesses. Read all about it by clicking the link here.
It’s important for these independents to stick together, which is why Rachel has formed somewhat of an alliance with her next-door neighbour, Ryan Cooper, of Gummers of King Street.
Fruit and veg seller Gummers has been going for nearly a decade, but the site has housed a greengrocer for as long as Ryan can remember.
To give something back to Fleur’s and Gummers’ loyal customers, the pair have banded together to offer 10 per cent off to all shoppers over 60 every Tuesday.
Ryan said: “We’re working really hard to try and make the shop as busy as we can, and we’ve also started doing online deliveries, which have gone down really well.
“It’s not easy for small businesses. Other towns that have previously had greengrocers for decades don’t have them anymore, so people will come from a long way just to come here.
Ryan Cooper, from Gummers of King Street(Image: Derby Telegraph)
“It’s a big deal for people to shop in a traditional way. A lot of people don’t like using supermarkets, you get sub-standard products and a lot of it is wrapped in plastic, and often you’re only saving a few pence when shopping at the big brands.
“By offering a discount, it helps support both Fleur and us next door. Of course, the more you spend, the more you get off, but people seem to appreciate the extra discount.
“It means a lot to keep tradition going in Belper.”
So it seems that tedious strolls around supermarkets aren’t quite what they used to be, and Derbyshire is flying the flag high for independents across the country.
The revival comes at a time when shopkeepers need it most, with business rates, fuel prices and electricity costs seemingly higher than ever.
So if you have a spare afternoon and fancy trying something new, or something you haven’t tried for decades, get on the bus or walk to your nearest town centre – you might be surprised at what you find.
