shopping

Chesterfield businesses get Shop Appy

Chesterfield businesses can now sign up to the Shop Appy web platform for free.

Shop Appy is a one stop, local, online support platform which enables customers to see what local shops and services have to offer, all in one place. 

Many independent businesses in Chesterfield have been looking at new ways to adapt and innovate during the Covid lockdowns. Chesterfield Borough Council has partnered with Derbyshire County Council to help businesses take advantage of the fast growing Shopappy.com.

The Derbyshire Economic Partnership, which is made up of Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and other district councils, has paid for the membership fee to the ShopAppy.com platform for local businesses. This free membership will last until November 2021.

As part of the Supporting Our High Street campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, is a new push to get more Chesterfield businesses to sign up for free to Shop Appy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Shop Appy is another helping hand for our businesses. Many have already adapted, and offer click & collect or delivery services, but the option to have Shop Appy free until November 2021 is a great addition to their business offer.

“As part of our campaign – Supporting Our High Street – we are promoting the benefits of taking advantage of this offer for businesses to use Shop Appy for free. Our businesses need our support now more than ever. Shopping online, but making the local choice, and using our favourite local businesses is what we must do.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with businesses to encourage sign up to the Shop Appy platform. Any business needing support with Shop Appy can contact the council’s town centre engagement officer, Rebecca Bland, by emailing Rebecca.bland@chesterfield.gov.uk

Businesses can register for Shop Appy at www.shopappy.com/vendor

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, 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 , , , , , , , , ,

New owner sees a bright future for Peak Shopping Village

Situated in the village of Rowsley, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the Peak Shopping Village has been bought by the Devonshire Property Group Ltd (DPG) which says the outlet centre has “exciting potential”.

The company has acquired the site for an undisclosed sum with the intention of growing customers and jobs through a fresh approach based on its local expertise. The Devonshire Property Group is a part of the Devonshire Group of companies that represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and includes nearby Chatsworth, as well as Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire and Lismore Castle in Ireland.

Located in the Derbyshire Dales, just three miles from Chatsworth, DPG approached the previous site owner, a significant property investor in multiple countries, and completed the sale today (11 January 2021) following several months of negotiations.

DPG will work with the existing management team to improve the site, with immediate actions to include some essential repairs and redecoration. By revitalising the customer experience at Peak Shopping Village, with more units occupied and stronger marketing, DPG aims to boost footfall for the benefit of all occupants. There are no current plans to expand the site or create a discount Chatsworth Gift Shop or Farm Shop.

More than 30 shops currently operate at Peak Shopping Village, which employs between 80 and 100 people. National names such as Pavers Shoes, Leading Labels, The Gift Company and Regatta operate alongside independents such as The Woolroom. The site hosts events year round, including regular Makers Markets showcasing the talent of local artisans, and its biggest event, the ‘Peak Festive Spectacular’ at Christmas.

The Devonshire Group believes Peak Shopping Village is perfectly located as a gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.  It views the purchase as a long term investment and an opportunity to create both a local retail outlet for the community and an exciting retail leisure destination for visitors to the Derbyshire Dales.

The Devonshire Group has strong experience in retail through its existing operations at Chatsworth (the estate farm shop and gift shops) and at Bolton Abbey and is a landlord to many retail outlets across its estates.

Lord Burlington, the Duke of Devonshire’s son, and Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group have been heavily involved in the planning and negotiation of the purchase.

Stephen Vickers: “We believe Peak Shopping Village has exciting potential and we see a bright future for jobs and growth. Our ultimate aim is for the site to realise its full potential as an important contributor to the fabric of the local economy, and we will be developing our plans for achieving this in the coming months.”

Lord Burlington: “Our team has the experience and expertise to help to reinvigorate Peak Shopping Village so that it’s a better experience for shop owners and those who use the office space. We are determined to make it the best it can be, both for our local communities and for the experience of visitors to the area. For us, it’s an exciting, long-term investment in Derbyshire, at the gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.”

This investment is unrelated to any of the visitor facing businesses at either the Chatsworth or the Bolton Abbey Estates. The purchase is a capital transaction funded from the sale of commercial assets in Eastbourne.

The nearby conservation area and nature trail managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is part of the sale and the Devonshire Group aims to support it in future with a renewed education focus and experience for visitors to the shopping village. The nearby allotments are not part of the sale.

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

All images supplied by the Chatsworth House Trust

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

‘Shop local to help independent retailers overcome impact of lockdowns,’ says East Midlands Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has stressed the importance of shopping locally now the national lockdown has ended.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday on 5 December, the chamber of commerce says it has never been more important to support local businesses that have been badly affected by coronavirus lockdowns.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “As so-called ‘non-essential’ retailers are finally allowed to reopen after a month of national lockdown, it is vital that they receive the support of local people.

“Businesses have invested huge amounts of money into making themselves Covid-secure but have lost out through no fault of their own as they have been forced to close again. Customers who feel safe and comfortable to visit shops again once national restrictions are lifted should be mindful to support small independents in particular.

“At a time when our city and town centres are being decimated by the collapse of chains, these are the businesses that will hopefully remain once stores around them close. They are the beating heart of high streets and a huge part of the character in what makes towns and cities unique.

“Small Business Saturday is a great initiative that highlights the wide variety of businesses that people have on their doorstep, and in 2020 it’s perhaps never been more important to give them our support.”

On Friday 4 December, the Chamber will run a virtual roundtable event with Derby North MP Amanda Solloway to prepare for Small Business Saturday. You can find out more and book your place at the event here

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will speak to her local businesses about the impact of lockdown and their plans for the future.

Find out more about shopping locally in Chesterfield here. High street shops and Chesterfield’s market will also be extending their trading hours on the run-up to Christmas. Find out more and plan your shopping trip here.

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

Chesterfield to fall under highest level of local restrictions (Tier 3)

Chesterfield – along with the whole of Derbyshire – will be under the highest level of local restrictions when the national lockdown ends on 2 December.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We understand the concern and frustration that today’s announcement will cause for many people, particularly local businesses which have already endured so much disruption and hardship this year.

“In particular, we know the county-wide tier three restrictions will hit our hospitality and tourism industry hard in the run-up to the festive period. This is something which I and all other Derbyshire council leaders highlighted in an urgent letter to Government this week, urging them to consider less strict rules for our area.

“But unfortunately, while we have seen some improvements in infection rates, they remain too high.

“We must all continue to play our part and abide by the updated restrictions when the national lockdown ends, to continue to slow the spread of the virus, reduce pressure on the NHS and protect the most vulnerable. In doing so we can lower infection rates, and hopefully move to a lower tier in time.

“Our community’s resilience will continue through these ongoing challenges, and as we prepare for the festive season I know this spirit will keep shining through, even though our celebrations must be different this year.

“As a council we will do all we can to keep essential services running for local people, as we have since the start of the pandemic. However, there will be some ongoing impact on some of our services when national restrictions end on 2 December – we are currently reviewing this and more information will be available on our website and social media channels as soon as possible.”

Find out more details about the current restrictions on the Government website: www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#very-high-alert

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards winners named

Chesterfield has crowned its best high street businesses, individuals, market stall traders and events of 2020.

Independent womenswear retailer, Dotique has taken the top title of Retailer of the Year in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards. Judges described Dotique as ‘a fantastic business that always gives back to the community.’

In addition to the coveted Retailer of the Year title, Dotique was also named as the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year. Based on Chatsworth Road, the business was established in 2018 by Dorothy Robinson.

Delighted with the double win, Dorothy said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers who have spurred me on since opening the business. Thank you to everybody that has supported me and voted for me.”

Dotique was one of 15 winners named as Chesterfield’s very best shops, market stalls, events, apprentices, projects and businesses in the town.

Usually a black-tie awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, amidst the challenges of the pandemic this year’s awards ceremony was held online and hosted by street magician Steve Faulkner.

Previously known as the Chesterfield Retail Awards and now in its seventh year, this year’s High Street Awards saw a number of new names and faces in the winners’ line-up. Pinewood Properties, Curious Goods, Huckleberry Willow, Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Warhammer and Shop Indie were all first-time winners in the awards.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator and organiser of the annual awards said: “Despite the challenges that Covid presented to this year’s Chesterfield High Street Awards, they are certainly the most memorable.

“Never have high street businesses needed our support more. It was an honour and a privilege for the Destination Chesterfield team to be able to organise an event to celebrate this hard-working sector. Each and every business and individual on our high street deserves both recognition and support. Well done to everyone involved.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to join everyone virtually for the Chesterfield High Street Awards 2020. What a year it has been. Yet the people behind the town’s high street businesses have shown such resilience.

“It is crucial that we all get behind local businesses during this time of uncertainty and beyond. Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild the local economy. Without a doubt, further challenges will lay ahead. But we will continue to work closely with Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Champions to promote the town as a place to work, live, visit and invest. We will also continue to collaborate with local businesses, invest in our economy, showcase our successful businesses and everything that is great about Chesterfield.”

Dorothy added: “It was lovely to be part of the awards. Thank you everybody. It’s important that everybody supports each other.”

The winning businesses, individuals and events in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year and Retailer of the Year 2020
Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, owner of Dotique said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers who have spurred me on since opening the business. Customers are at the heart of everything that we do and we’re constantly striving to improve the customer experience. Thank you to everybody that has supported me and voted for Dotique.”

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie

Belle Vie scooped the award for the second year running. Alysha Bradley, owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels amazing to win the award for the second year in a row. Our clients have been so supportive this year. Thank you to them and the team.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery

Chris Radford, Managing Director of Brampton Brewery, said: “Although we’re operating in difficult times, we love working in the industry. All the team is passionate about what we do and I think that comes through when we’re serving customers.”

High Street Business of the Year
Pinewood Properties

The business really stood out to the judges for its speedy response on social media. Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Properties, said: “We are so pleased to win. The last three years have been incredible. We’ve won virtually every customer-service award in our industry. We do ordinary things exceptionally well. We are made up to win the Chesterfield High Street Award.”

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Huckleberry Willow

The store was commended by judges for having helpful and knowledgeable staff. Luke Shah, Managing Director of Huckleberry Willow said “We are delighted to win the award. It was very unexpected. We’re a family business and have been in Chesterfield since 1976. It is amazing to have the support of our customers.”

Market Trader of the Year
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Owner of the first zero waste stall on Chesterfield’s Saturday’s Market and monthly Artisan Market, Steph Mannion, said: “The award puts green shopping on the map in Chesterfield. It is awesome to be recognised for bringing zero waste shopping to Chesterfield. I am so proud of Chesterfield and the market. There is no need to go to a supermarket. From meat, veg and dry goods to toiletry and household refills and environmentally friendly products -Chesterfield’s market has it covered.”

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery

Judges praised the business’ use of technology to connect people online. Emily Lord, owner of Fred’s Haberdashery said: “We were really surprised and shocked to win. It feels great after so much hard work. Having taken over the business in February just before lockdown, we’ve had to work really hard to get the website and social media up and running but it has helped keep us connected to our customers and enabled them to keep crafting.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year
Warhammer

The friendly and knowledgeable service at Warhammer stood out for the judges. Andrew Ward, manager of the Warhammer store in Chesterfield, said: “I was really chuffed to win. We’re a unique store in the town with knowledgeable staff all committed to giving customers a really great experience when they visit us. We are really grateful to all our customers for their support.”

Retail Apprentice of the Year
Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato CRM Solutions UK commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year
Therapy Lounge

The beauty business, which is based in Hasland has employed apprentices for more than 10 years. Rebecca McNair, an apprentice beauty therapist at Therapy Lounge, said: “We were delighted and surprised to win the award. We’ve all been working so hard to do the best we can for our clients during Covid.”

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods

Owner Jonny Kudibal said: “It’s fabulous to win. We sell a lot of holistic and alternative therapy products so it’s important we give the right advice to help customers make the best decision. We have great staff who have been with us for a number of years and they really do try to make a difference to all our customers. Thank you to all our customers supporting us through Covid.”

Best Town Centre Event
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Organised by Edge Events, this is the second consecutive year the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival has won the Best Town Centre Event category. Richard Alsop, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “We are so proud to receive this award. We always put our heart and soul into the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival and it is so encouraging to have the support that we do from the public, the traders and the council.

“It has added an extra bit of specialness to the award receiving it during the tough times our industry is currently facing. We look forward to organising a great festival, hopefully in 2021.”

Future High Street Award
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Big Screen

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Coordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, said: “We’re over the moon to have won the Future High Street Award for our Big Screen.

“The installation of the screen is one of the latest improvements that Alterx, our owners, have made to the shopping centre since purchasing it in December 2018. With it we hope to create an animated focal point and lively meeting place for visitors and shoppers to socialise and spend time within the town centre. We’re also working with local partners to help promote businesses within the area and push out key messages about the town centre and all of the wonderful things happening around us.”

Best New Store
Shop Indie

Lisa Swift, partner at Shop Indie which opened in October last year, said: “We were really delighted when we heard our name called out at the awards. It’s lovely that the people of Chesterfield have really taken on board our shop and love our products. It’s nice to offer Chesterfield something different.”

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

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

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