Big Conversation Portsmouth: Meet some of the independent Portsmouth businesses your Christmas custom would 'mean the world to'

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INDEPENDENT traders say it would ‘mean the world’ to them if shoppers live up to their word and buy locally this Christmas.

It comes after The News’ post-lockdown survey, The Big Conversation, found a promising 71.51 per cent of people see the 2020 festive period as a ‘good opportunity’ to support Portsmouth-area businesses.

More than 1,000 people took part in the poll, which helped gauge the city’s mood after months of tough anti-coronavirus restrictions.

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So-called non-essential shops across Britain faced uncertainty when they were ordered to close in line with the national lockdown on March 23.

Top row, Pigeon Books and the We Create Market. Bottom Row, Liz Penman of Rose Glover and Dinosaur World.Top row, Pigeon Books and the We Create Market. Bottom Row, Liz Penman of Rose Glover and Dinosaur World.
Top row, Pigeon Books and the We Create Market. Bottom Row, Liz Penman of Rose Glover and Dinosaur World.

But they were allowed to reopen on June 15 in a move the business secretary, Alok Sharma, hoped would help the nation’s high streets ‘spring back to life’.

Liz Penman, owner of the plant and pot shop Rose Clover, in Elm Grove, Southsea, branded the survey figures ‘amazing’ at a time when stores like hers are still finding their rhythm after abruptly closing.

‘Hearing that people want to support local this Christmas is music to my ears – that would mean the world to us,’ she told The News.

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‘We’re working hard to give people options for presents and I take pride in giving everyone a lovely experience when they visit.

We Create market at the former Debenhams site, Palmerston Road, Southsea. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (120920-04)We Create market at the former Debenhams site, Palmerston Road, Southsea. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (120920-04)
We Create market at the former Debenhams site, Palmerston Road, Southsea. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (120920-04)

‘The local community supporting local businesses is vital to keep us going and I would love to be able to grow and take on someone full time.

‘Bringing in someone local would mean money goes back into the local economy. It would be a direct help to our high streets.’

Like Rose Clover, Pigeon Books in nearby Albert Road cut its teeth at Southsea street markets before moving into a unit this year.

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Mel and Phil Davies opened their book shop Pigeon Books in Albert Road, on Monday, June 15. Picture: Sarah Standing (230620-483)Mel and Phil Davies opened their book shop Pigeon Books in Albert Road, on Monday, June 15. Picture: Sarah Standing (230620-483)
Mel and Phil Davies opened their book shop Pigeon Books in Albert Road, on Monday, June 15. Picture: Sarah Standing (230620-483)

Co-owner Phil Davies, who runs the shop with his wife, Mel, said spending with local traders this Christmas is crucial as they compete with online giants like Amazon.

He said: ‘It’s proving more important than ever to support our local businesses.

‘There’s such a rich variety of shops here and people know if they don’t get used they will be closed – like Debenhams and Knight and Lee.

‘There was a period during lockdown when Amazon stopped delivering books because it prioritised other products.

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Liz Penman, owner of Rose Clover in Elm Grove, Southsea inside her shop. Picture: Rose CloverLiz Penman, owner of Rose Clover in Elm Grove, Southsea inside her shop. Picture: Rose Clover
Liz Penman, owner of Rose Clover in Elm Grove, Southsea inside her shop. Picture: Rose Clover

‘That was great news for us and we carried out deliveries. We would love that success to continue for Christmas.’

A strong show of festive support would also be good news for stallholders at the burgeoning We Create Market, which debuted in Palmerston Road, Southsea, in September.

It will host dozens of independents at the site formerly occupied by Debenhams on November 7 and 8 and December 12 and 13.

Chairman of organiser Portsmouth Creates, Tim Rusby, said: ‘The fact three-quarters of those responding [to the Big Conversation] recognise the Christmas period will be a good opportunity to support local businesses is amazing.

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‘It is clear from the direct feedback we have received that there is a desperate need for to face-to-face retail opportunities, with many of these businesses struggling to survive since March.

‘If we lose them, we lose a major part of our amazing city’s identity and lifestyle.’

Nigel and Dawn Raymond at Dinosaur World, part of Nature's Creations, in Brockhurst Road, Gosport. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (270820-21)Nigel and Dawn Raymond at Dinosaur World, part of Nature's Creations, in Brockhurst Road, Gosport. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (270820-21)
Nigel and Dawn Raymond at Dinosaur World, part of Nature's Creations, in Brockhurst Road, Gosport. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (270820-21)
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Tim’s plea follows the June launch of the The News’ Support Local campaign, geared at helping businesses get back on their feet after lockdown.

One trader to benefit from the coverage, Nigel Raymond, hopes Christmas could see an influx of trade at his shop Nature’s Creations in Brockhurst Road, Gosport.

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The store was recently extended to welcome a new experience for young customers and collectors – Dinosaur World.

On the figures from the Big Conversation, Nigel said: ‘That’s quite a high percentage with all that’s happening at the moment.

‘We keep our prices low and we’ve got dinosaur-themed products for all ages – from fossils for older enthusiasts to games and puzzles for children.

‘Dinosaur World has really taken off and we would love to see it do well at Christmas.'

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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