It’s glitzy, glass-fronted and shiny and new. But all around the £23 million John Lewis store are reminders of Cheltenham’s past. The surrounding buildings date back more than 100 years, echoing a time when shopping was very different. Historians are keen that such times aren’t forgotten. Jill Waller, researcher of Cheltenham’s Local History Society […]
Tag: cheltenham
Get Ginspired: the five best places to enjoy a gin in Cheltenham
It’s Friday, the weekend’s here, and what’s more, it’s International Gin and Tonic Day! The tipple that was once associated with ancient mother-in-laws and midday drinkers has boomed in popularity in recent years, and Cheltenham’s high street has no shortage of the stuff. What better way to celebrate the classic botanical spirit than trying out some […]
How will independent stores compete with John Lewis?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Exclusive: John Lewis floor plans revealed
Department store John Lewis announced plans for a new store back in 2015, and it’s finally opening on Thursday 18th October. With a combined investment of over £30m from John Lewis, BlackRock and Cheltenham Borough Council, the High Street store will provide “more convenient access to [John Lewis’] inspiring products and great service”. What will the new floors look like? These exclusive plans for the […]
Gloucestershire MP says ‘hands off my constituency’
Gloucestershire MP David Drew is campaigning to stop his constituency being broken up. He has called on the government to drop a review of the boundaries of his Stroud parliamentary seat. Dursley and Cam could be moved to a new parliamentary area should the review go ahead. Boundary Reviews are completed every eight to twelve […]