A ROAD in Gosport is bucking the trend with eight new businesses springing up in just a few months.
The new businesses have moved into Stoke Road in the town in recent months, with shops both small and large being filled.
The new additions come to add to the more than 90 independent shops, representing 60 trades and professions.
Tony Wing, head of the Stoke Road Traders’ Association, said: ‘There’s quite a stack of business opening, not a lot available to put people in.
‘It’s a good sign that people are seeing Stoke Road as a buoyant high street.
‘A street like Stoke Road has independence in it – I use the phrase niche retailing.’
Mr Wing said that his own business, the Stoke Gallery, attracts customers both locally and further afield.
He added the success of the road was in-part due to the draw of large supermarket chain Waitrose.
One of the newest shops to open in the road include cafe Lu Lu’s, a cafe which opened two weeks ago.
Owner Lucy Tucker, who has been a chef for a Saudi prince, said she wanted to give the road a community place for people to meet.
She said: ‘I’m aiming at all ages to be honest, and I thought Stoke Road would be a really good place.
‘It’s quite lively and vibrant and it’s really nice.
‘I felt town definitely wasn’t for me and I’ve been proved right as we’ve been really busy.
‘It’s great that all the local independent retailers are hopefully going to benefit from having a place like this.’
And new studio Blitz Photography, run by former The News snapper, Steve Reid, now occupies a large corner building in the road.
As reported in The News, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage experienced life as an apprentice when she visited the studios and Steve’s apprentice Hannah Riches.
Ms Dinenage also opened the new Kitchen Works shop, run by owner Lee Jones.
The new shops also include, Bobby’s Pizza, Pasta and Grill at number 18, Mainly Planes ‘n’ Trains at number 79, Tim’s Clearances at number 91, Tai Yi Traditional Chinese Medicine at number 111 and Computer and Laptop Repairs at The Refill Centre at number 163.
But that is not all, as a further three new businesses will be opening in the road.
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