John Lewis is the latest in a line of large chain stores to dominate our high street. Taking over from Beechwood Shopping centre, the 115,000 sq. ft building is filled to the brim with all manner of artifacts and curiosities. We met with two independent traders to find out how they picture the future of small businesses […]
Author: Jack Archive
Digital high streets: the future of retail?
Cheltenham High Street’s McDonald’s branch is currently undergoing a refurbishment, but will reopen with more than just a lick of paint. Set to open its doors again on 23rd October, the fast-food branch will feature brand new digital elements with the aim of making the experience of ordering food much easier. Free standing self-service kiosks […]
How to be a success on the high street with Bodega
High streets may be tough, but Sarah-Jane Worboys is tougher. Bryony Firth-Bernard met her to find out what it takes to have a successful business in the middle of a retail crisis. Sarah-Jane Worboys is Super Woman in disguise. She runs two successful boutiques, one in Cheltenham and one in Worcester. She’s just been voted […]
7 high street favourites where you can bag great student deals
As university students across the country find themselves already in the middle of their first term, for many, their student loan is already long gone. Statistics from The Scholarship Hub show that 11% of students nationwide will have spent their entire term’s loan within the first two weeks of studying, and a further 51% will spend […]
Blackadder urges patience with Boots corner changes
The head of a business development scheme has asked for patience over controversial plans to pedestrianise Boots Corner in Cheltenham town centre. Kevan Blackadder, chief executive of the Business Improvement District (BID), said people need to wait until the end of the trial before making a judgement on proposals, which could lead to traffic being […]
15 shops already in the Christmas spirit with festive stock
Too early to get in the Christmas spirit? These shops don’t think so… Autumn may have just started but it seems Christmas has come to Cheltenham early this year. More than 15 high street stores have already started stocking their shelves for the festive season, despite Halloween being less than two weeks away. Primark, Poundland […]
Urban outfitters set to open late October
Urban Outfitters has set a date for opening its first store in Gloucestershire. The global streetwear brand will open its doors with a launch party on 23 October, as one of the largest shops in the refurbished Brewery Quarter. We can't wait for this! @UrbanOutfitters opening in #Cheltenham 23/10 – coming to @TheBreweryChelt adding to […]
John Lewis Cheltenham: social media reaction
The John Lewis opening has been one of the biggest events in Cheltenham this year. Everybody has been talking about it and now the day has come, what has been the reaction? We spoke to customers leaving the store to see what they thought of Cheltenham’s newest addition who gave us mixed messages. Andrea Beard […]
Flagship John Lewis opens its doors in Cheltenham
John Lewis has unveiled its £23m store in Cheltenham. The retail group opened its doors to the public at 7:30am on Thursday, with the department store expected to channel business back into the town centre. Kevan Blackadder, head of Cheltenham’s Business Improvement District, said the opening was good news for all businesses. He said: “I […]
Coast clothing to go into administration
Popular fashion brand Coast is the latest high street chain finding itself in hot water, with 24 stores across the country set to close and a further 300 jobs put at risk. Despite the brand’s high street stores closing, department store branches will remain trading following a “rescue deal” by sister brand Karen Millen, a move that […]