Chesterfield shopping

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre to host spooktacular Halloween

Visitors to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield should prepare themselves for a right howl this Halloween as the Centre is set to celebrate the spookiest night of the year.

Families are encouraged to head to Vicar Lane’s pumpkin patch from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 23rd October, where they’ll be able to take their pick of a great collection of pumpkins and get a menacing makeover from the face painter. All completely free.

Vicar Lane has also teamed up with fellow Chesterfield Champion, Salute Prosecco to offer customers the chance to celebrate with a special outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on the big screen on Saturday 23rd October at 6:30pm.

Spaces are limited and are expected to go fast, so anyone interested in the event is being advised to book early to avoid disappointment: https://www.salute-prosecco.com/open-air-cinema-packages.

Food and drink packages are also available to purchase from Salute, including pizzas and cheeseboards.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us celebrate Halloween. We’re sure it will be a spooktacular day of fun!’’

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is  home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. It is also the home to popular independent cafes, such as The Vintage Tearooms and Qoozies.

There’s plenty happening across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire throughout the October half-term and during Halloween. Find out more about what’s on in the town on our half-term page here: Half Term in Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield

For more activities taking place across Chesterfield, head over to our events page: Chesterfield Events | Destination Chesterfield

Salute and Vicar Lane support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New vintage antiques store with a modern twist opens in Chesterfield

A new store trading in antiques and vintage items is coming to Chesterfield, adding yet another independent business to the town.

The Lucky Magpie Salvage will open this weekend (Saturday 4th September) following a major refurbishment of the premises on Hollis Lane Top.

Owner, Suzie Kujawinski has worked with her team in putting together a unique customer journey, featuring sections designated for different focuses. The store will sell a range of old items including: lamps and lights, military, nostalgia, signs, fairground, and Kitchenalia.

Suzie said: “I really want to make sure that The Lucky Magpie is supporting local, independent businesses and also up-and-coming creatives that have a flair for upcycling pieces.

“Whether you’ve got five pounds or a hundred pounds, it is open to everybody. So whether you just want to spend some pocket money or invest in something for life, you can find it here.

“It is about having an experience where you come in and feel like a big kid, because I think that after what we’ve all been through with the pandemic, this is what people need. That little bit of escapism where you can come in and relive memories from your childhood.

Suzie also explained why she chose Chesterfield as the perfect place to locate her business: “Everyone is so friendly and people are so welcoming. There is a real close-knit community here. I’ve worked all over and the town has a homely, traditional family feel to it.

“I feel safe going out on my own at any time. I like to have a chat with people and it is lovely when someone strikes up a conversation with you. That’s what sold it for me.”

Chesterfield boasts a vibrant range of independent and national stores, providing an enjoyable, welcoming and unique offer to shoppers. Find out more about shopping in the town here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane launches ‘Summer Zone’ showing Wimbledon and other sporting events

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, in Chesterfield, is celebrating ‘all things summer’ at its Summer Zone in St James Square from 28th June.

The fun will start by serving up all the Wimbledon action on the big screen from 28th June to 11th July, meaning that customers can indulge in a spot of shopping and not miss out on any of the sporting action throughout the summer.

Plus, from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th July, customers can enjoy food and drink from pop-ups such as Salute (Pimm’s and prosecco) and Fairy Floss (strawberries and cream).

Customers will find an area especially laid to lawn, adorned with deck chairs and bistro sets, as well as a table tennis table and a giant ‘Up 4 It’ game.

Customers of Vicar Lane will find a wide range of stores, including H&M, Holland & Barrett, New Look, JD and Superdrug, as well as the popular indie stores, Nana B Baby Boutique, Gorilla Garms, Clarissa’s Interiors, Shop Indie and Precious Memories.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also enjoy a quick coffee (and cake!) break at Vintage Tearooms, or a relaxing lunch at Qoozies.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane says, ‘’We’re really excited about summer at Vicar Lane. No matter what you’re up to in the heart of Chesterfield, there’s no need to miss a moment of the sporting fun this summer as we’ll be screening all the televised action on our big screen.’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps small businesses to join the online revolution

The online revolution has been a key feature of the pandemic – and now small and microbusinesses in Chesterfield can embrace these digital trends in an innovative new support scheme.

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps those reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into an online world by creating highly visible e-commerce websites equipped with the latest forms of payment, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber, it aims to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have been hit hardest by lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Scott Knowles, chief executive at Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on small and microbusinesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have previously relied on their physical venues to trade successfully.

“While we’re all looking forward to a return to normality as we come out of lockdown, it’s crucial these SMEs are future-proofed by creating modern websites to embrace some of the consumer trends that were already noticeable pre-Covid.

“Not every company can afford to do this, however, so we’re delighted to be playing a key role in supporting businesses in Chesterfield to establish and maintain the latest e-commerce solutions on behalf of the project funder, Chesterfield Borough Council.

“We believe the Digital High Street project will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

How the Chesterfield Digital High Street project will support businesses

The support available to businesses via the programme includes access to a Digital High Street adviser with specific e-commerce and online skills, who will work intensively with at least 120 businesses to help them develop and maintain their new or existing digital presence.

They will also be able to attend dedicated webinars, delivered outside working hours, and use marketing resources for free.

Grants of £2,200 – covering 100% of costs – will also be awarded to 50 of these businesses to help them set up an e-commerce website that is search engine optimised, with the package also including web hosting provision for a year and access to ongoing digital training.

All participating businesses can also benefit from free East Midlands Chamber membership for a year.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “In Chesterfield, we have lots of fantastic local independent businesses and after the last 18 months, there has never been a more important time to support them. We hope this funding will help lots of these businesses sell more effectively online, which will help guarantee their future in our town and hopefully allow them to grow.

“It’s a really comprehensive support package and I would encourage as many local businesses as possible to sign up for the Digital High Street project because it will allow them to compete in a whole new way.”

Applications can now be made for the Chesterfield Digital High Street project at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Citizens Advice Chesterfield joins innovative charity shopping initiative

Local charity Citizens Advice Chesterfield, which provides a range of support to thousands of residents across the town has joined EasyFundraising, which enables people to support charities simply by shopping online.

For many, Citizens Advice is the first point of call when serious life changes occur. The charity offers free, confidential, impartial, independent advice & information for problems faced by residents & their families. It also campaigns to improve policies & practices affecting people’s lives.

Easyfundraising turns everyday online shopping into free donations for a nominated cause of the customer’s choice. To do this, start your online shopping first on the easyfundraising website, then shop as normal. The site’s associated retailers will then make a small donation to the chosen charity to say “thank you”.

There are currently 4700+ retailers to choose from and so far the site has raised over £35 million for thousands of community groups, schools, sports clubs, small and large charities across the UK.

Linda Moore, chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “As lockdown began last March, Citizens Advice Chesterfield completely changed delivery of services virtually overnight, with staff and some volunteers all working from home. At the same time demand for support increased. In the last quarter enquiries about loss of income, lack of food and loss of employment has increased by 29%.

“At the same time all fundraising events, including a Midsummer Ball and our increasingly popular Town Hall Abseil have been cancelled. We feel we can’t approach businesses which supported us in the past when they themselves are struggling with lockdown pressures.

“So we are trying Easyfundraising. Both individuals and businesses can sign up. Simply load up the Easyfundraising App, nominate “Citizens Advice Chesterfield” as your chosen charity, look for your favourite retailers and start shopping. A percentage from each sale is donated to us and it costs you nothing. It couldn’t be easier. And the more people sign up the better for us. It’s an easy way to help us help local residents.”

Citizens Advice Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Love Chesterfield aims to boost the local economy

As lockdown eases, now’s the time to rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield – that’s the message behind a new campaign being launched to encourage people to love the town and borough and support local businesses.

The new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign has been launched today (Monday 10 May) by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions continue to ease.

Centred around Chesterfield town centre, and the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, the campaign is encouraging people to seek out Chesterfield’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “Our local businesses have had a year like no other and it’s never been more important that we each do our bit and help support them as best we can as national restrictions continue to ease.

“There’s a lot to love about our town and borough – things we have all missed during lockdown – and that’s exactly what our new Love Chesterfield campaign aims to shine a spotlight on.

“We’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and through the Love Chesterfield campaign we will be encouraging everyone to carry on shopping locally and safely.”

The marketing campaign will feature in local magazines and newspapers, and across social media. People will be able to sign up to receive Love Chesterfield news by email, which will include details of local events and ways to get involved. Market Traders will also be giving away special edition Love Chesterfield shopping bags.

Each month there will be the chance to win a gift from a local independent shop by taking part in a Love Chesterfield survey. The prize, worth up to £50, will showcase the great products that can only be bought in Chesterfield town centre.

Love Chesterfield Banner

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, added: “In the town centre alone there are around 200 independent retailers here you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products. Add to these retailers the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available and of course the numerous Markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone here.

“As restrictions ease, we are all getting back out, shopping and safely socialising with friends and family once again. There is no better place to do that than on Chesterfield’s high streets, which of course include Hasland, Staveley, Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield is partnering with the council to develop and deliver the Love Chesterfield campaign.

“Supporting the high streets and the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are part of it should be – and is – a team effort. We are all committed to Chesterfield’s high streets thriving long term and the Love Chesterfield campaign is an excellent vehicle for us all to get behind and raise awareness of everything that is great about the town and borough.”

Chesterfield Borough Council was awarded £96,000 from the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund. Some of this has already funded marketing campaigns such as the successful Christmas campaign and the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House and is also funding the Love Chesterfield campaign.

Cllr Gilby added: “We’ve used the government funding wisely here in Chesterfield to support businesses and the local economy. We have employed a Covid-19 information officer who has been advising businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and how to operate safely and our dedicated town centre engagement officer has been a lifeline for many retailers and hospitality businesses. Using the funding to promote the town centre and the borough’s high streets has been essential. And it’s paying off – the town centre is busy and it’s great to see new businesses opening too.

“It is now time to talk up Chesterfield. Let’s show our fantastic high street businesses some love.”

Find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Banner

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New online directory launched to support Chesterfield’s local businesses

A new directory of Chesterfield’s independent businesses has been launched, featuring the best of the town’s shops, restaurants, food suppliers and more.

Un-hampered has been launched following a collaborative effort between S40 and S41 Local magazines and Chesterfield-based creative agency Defeye, after many of the town’s local businesses begin their recovery following the enormous challenges of the pandemic.

Paul Chapman, owner of S40 Local said: “Our local businesses have been hit hard over the last year, but have risen to the enormous challenge, created an online presence in record time and have changed their offering to provide delivery, takeaway or click and collect services.

“These independent businesses are the foundation of our town, when you shop with them they, in turn, feed money into the local economy. When you eat at a local independent restaurant, chances are they’ve purchased the veg from a local grocer, they may have bought it from a local farm, the farmer services his van at the local garage, the garage owner advertises with us, we eat in the same restaurant – the money stays local and helps build the local economy.

“The Un-hampered directory is the first phase, we have so much more to offer and we’ll be bringing you news as we launch each new development. We really do want to modernise access to the traditional high street and help businesses maintain a physical presence.

Matt Pritchard from Defeye explains, “when Paul first came to us to talk about what would go on to become Un-hampered, we were on board straight away. As luck would have it, we’d been discussing how we wanted to work on a self-generated project of our own that could really help push the independent businesses in town that we love. Then magically, the next week we got an email from Paul asking us if we wanted to meet up to discuss his idea. It felt like Kismet.

“Although the idea has evolved and changed through this incredibly challenging year, the ultimate goal has remained fixed. ‘Create a platform that showcases local independent businesses and gives customers an easy way of finding them’. We were lucky enough to create the Shop and Support local video campaign for the council last year and it gave us the opportunity to talk to so many incredible businesses, strengthening our resolve to get Un-hampered launched so that we could show our support to them.

“We’re excited to get phase one off the ground finally and we hope it will be a platform that helps local businesses at a really critical time.”

If you would like to view the directory or find out more about it, head to www.un-hampered.co.uk

S40 Local and Defeye Creative support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Borough Council working to ensure local businesses are Covid-secure

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses in Chesterfield to offer support and guidance and to check they have Covid-secure measures in place and to help tackle the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the local area.

The council will also be working alongside local public health authorities to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area.

During the checks advice and guidance will be provided to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors but where some businesses are not managing this, the council says it will take immediate action. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.

Being Covid-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus. For further information on how to manage the risk of coronavirus in different business sectors please read the government guidance.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director for leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “We are talking to local businesses, visiting and inspecting sites in and around Chesterfield to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

“Becoming Covid-secure is a requirement for businesses in Chesterfield, it is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.

Ian Waller added: “All businesses are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure. By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can help to protect the health of the local community at the same time as supporting the local economy.”

For the latest information and safer business guidance, see: www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Posted in Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield says ‘we’re back’ for friendly local shopping

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield are supporting the re-opening of the high streets this April with the message ‘we’re back’ to encourage shoppers back to Chesterfield’s high streets. Find out more at www.chesterfield.co.uk/wereback

The mini campaign includes a video on social media, featuring some of Chesterfield’s many independent businesses and market traders, asking people to come back shopping in Chesterfield. The video reminds people that safety is everything, but we do need to support our local high streets.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It will be great to see the start of the re-opening of our town centre and high streets this April.

“It is however essential that we keep our own and everyone else’s safety in mind when we go back to shopping locally in Chesterfield to make sure our town centre stays open. I urge everyone to continue with hands, face and space as we start to re-open.

“Our local shops and retailers have worked so hard over lockdown, offering click and collect and delivery options but it has been a massive struggle for businesses and now it’s up to us to get back out shopping locally. Our businesses really need your support.

“Spending a few pounds a week with local businesses will make a massive difference to them. It’s been convenient to shop online but let’s do more of that with local businesses and also shop safely with them once again in our town centre and high streets.

“Chesterfield is a fantastic place to shop. We pride ourselves on being a friendly town, with many great independent businesses who are ready to welcome everyone back. So, come back and support your town this April.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “The lifting of restrictions on non-essential retail is very much welcomed and further progress in the high street’s journey towards normality. Seeing our favourite businesses adapt with online shopping and click and collect services during lockdown has been inspiring, but shopping in Chesterfield is an experience that can’t be replicated at home.

“Lockdown has shown us all the importance of the high street and the contribution it makes not only to the economy but to the lives of local people and I would encourage everyone to support the high street and shop local to help the many businesses based on it in their recovery.”

To also help support local businesses that are re-opening, and to showcase Chesterfield as a great place to visit, the council is offering local businesses the chance to take out free listings on the Visit Chesterfield website until 31 March 2022.

Independent businesses who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity can find more details on www.visitchesterfield.info/advertising. Businesses will need to complete an application form and send it along with high resolution images or videos to tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield here.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Supporting Our High Streets – make the local choice

Stay at home and shop local online is the message from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield during this lockdown.

Supporting Our High Streets is the theme of our new campaign this winter. The campaign aims to highlight that many local businesses have an online shop that is open during lockdown and a lot offer delivery as well as click and collect options.

To help residents find the best local buys online, local businesses with an online option have been listed on one convenient webpage at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/shopping-during-lockdown/

The Supporting Our High Streets campaign also includes direct communication with businesses offering training on, Writing for Online and Social Media, as well as signposting training, advice and guidance from other organisations who work with and support businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is so important, especially during this lockdown that we stay at home but that doesn’t mean we can’t shop with many of our favourite local shops. Many are open online and a lot offer delivery.

“We have some fantastic shops and businesses here in Chesterfield and now more than ever they need our support. So, when you think about your shopping don’t forget to make the local choice.

“We have throughout the pandemic provided businesses with advice and guidance; and over the next few months we will continue to signpost businesses to training, advice and guidance that could help them.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Now, more than ever, we must support local. Lockdown has given us a taste of a deserted high street and it is a scenario no-one likes. We can ensure the survival of all local shops, stores and market traders by continuing to buy from them in lockdown and beyond. Together we can make a real difference to Chesterfield’s high street and the many individuals and families it supports.”

You can also find a Dine at Home list on the Destination Chesterfield website at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/

Supporting our high street

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane Launches a Brand New Reward App

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield, is excited to unveil Local Rewards, its brand new loyalty programme.

Local Rewards, created by tech specialists Maybe*, launched at Vicar Lane this month, meaning Chesterfield locals can now earn rewards while shopping at Vicar Lane.

App users can get up to two hours free car parking when they spend £50 shopping local with Qoozies, Shop Indie and Ministry Clothing, all of which are independent business (more coming soon).

Those wishing to start earning rewards can sign up here https://www.localrewards.chat/. Every time a user spends a pound in any participating business, they will receive points to be redeemed against free car parking.

Check out the Local Rewards Guide here https://maybe.chat/4i47mds and sign up to support local businesses whilst earning rewards.

Plus, Vicar Lane is giving users of the app the chance to win £500 to spend at Vicar Lane. Find out more here https://www.localrewards.chat/.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, ‘’Now more than ever it’s so important to shop local and support independent businesses, so we’re proud to be launching Local Rewards to encourage Chesterfield locals to support our indies whilst earning rewards for themselves!’’

Chesterfield plays host to a wide range of independent shops and suppliers. You can always pick up something special and different, whether you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one or something special for your home. There’s a wide range of independent shops, restaurants and coffee shops to explore across the town.

Click here to find out more about local shopping in Chesterfield, including a great range of independent shops, and recognised high-street brands.

Vicar Lane shopping centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter