Small shops reveal they are 'lucky' to have community support after reopening again following lockdown

SMALL shops threw open their doors to eager punters on the traditionally busy first weekend of December.
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But it was also Small Business Saturday - a campaign designed to highlight the importance of local independent shops.

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‘Use them or lose them’ shop tells public

It is an importance that has been highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic as more people rush to support such outlets; the bedrock and identity of their communities.

Manager Matt Bond at The Monarch independent cocktail bar and restaurant. Small Business Saturday on Palmerston Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-10)Manager Matt Bond at The Monarch independent cocktail bar and restaurant. Small Business Saturday on Palmerston Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-10)
Manager Matt Bond at The Monarch independent cocktail bar and restaurant. Small Business Saturday on Palmerston Rd, Southsea Picture: Chris Moorhouse (051220-10)
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In Southsea there was a vibrancy in the air as people sought to take advantage of valued local shops being open once again.

Matt Crick, owner of furniture shop Victoriana on Marmion Road, said he welcomed the positive impact of Small Business Saturday and The News’ #supportlocal campaign.

‘As a small business we welcome the support we have had,’ he said. ‘It is a big advantage to us to have such help at this time.

‘We are lucky because we have a very good and loyal clientele and we are very grateful for their support.

Customer at Eclettika. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-17)Customer at Eclettika. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-17)
Customer at Eclettika. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea Picture: Chris Moorhouse (051220-17)
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‘We have been here for 36 years and have a good name in the community and get a lot of business from word of mouth. We believe we are good on prices and good on service too.

‘(Saturday) was busy with quite a few people coming through the door. It’s not been the best of years - being shut for four months is not great.

‘But we were lucky with our customers after both lockdowns - they have kept us going.’

The shop offers bespoke solid wood furniture products but also has an array of smaller gifts and ornaments.

Kimi Hayman at Eclettika. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-16)Kimi Hayman at Eclettika. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-16)
Kimi Hayman at Eclettika. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea Picture: Chris Moorhouse (051220-16)
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Manager Annelie Gordon, added: ‘We’ve been selling a lot of smaller Christmas type items and have been busy getting the furniture out.

‘We have adapted over the years and the customers keep coming back which is good.’

Kim Hayman, owner of Eclettika, which sells handmade candles and Luxury home fragrance items, also on Marmion Road, was pleased with the support she received from locals.

‘It’s been busy, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’ve been pleasantly surprised,’ she said. ‘It’s good to see local shops open again and people supporting them.

Matt Crick, owner at Victoriana. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-18)Matt Crick, owner at Victoriana. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (051220-18)
Matt Crick, owner at Victoriana. Small Business Saturday on Marmion Rd, Southsea Picture: Chris Moorhouse (051220-18)
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‘Big businesses will survive so it’s important people support us smaller shops. It’s good to be back to work and seeing people in the shop.

‘We only opened in June and I had everything planned in detail...and then there was a global pandemic. But it’s fantastic to finally be back.’

Customer Gemma Vale, 38, of Southsea, who bought items in the shop, said: ‘It’s good to see local shops open again and they are something I try and support.

‘Big businesses will be ok but smaller shops need our support. Southsea has a great offering of shops which we are lucky to have.’

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Matt Bond, manager of Palmerston Road bar The Monarch, admitted this year had been ‘testing’ with ‘many hurdles’ to overcome but was ‘adapting’ to the new challenges.

‘We have a lot of bookings - people still want a Saturday night out - we just have to adapt to the changes,’ he said.

‘We are a small business so welcome Small Business Saturday. Anything that helps us and others like us is good.

‘It has gone well so far and we’re pleased to see people back. Everyone is so understanding to the restrictions now.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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