A shop selling bespoke products in Sneinton Market is announced it is closing down. The owner claims a lack of footfall and not enough promotion of the market as factors in its closure, as well as the economic downturn.
But Nottingham City Council said Sneinton Market remains a thriving home for creative and digital businesses in the city, and said new businesses have moved into the area.
Wiff Waff, a dog accessories shop on Unit 44-47 of Sneinton Market will remain open on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of April and have a sale of up to 65%. The business will then continue to operate online.
The business sells a range of products from dog collars, leads and other accessories. Owner, Georgie Thorton said: “Footfall is atrocious in Sneinton, the pandemic hasn’t helped but after the pandemic, Ukraine happened and then, an economic downfall.
“We’ve had great days when the markets are on but it isn’t enough. It’s a real shame.”
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Georgie continued: “I hope that Sneinton Market becomes a beautiful place for independent businesses to survive and flourish, everyone is amazed when they come down to the market. A lot of people don’t know we exist down here, it [Sneinton Market] has such potential.”
Shoppers in the area shared their views on the closure. Gemma Martin, 35 from Mapperley said: “It’s a shame it’s closing down, I think independent businesses are important so to lose just one physical shop is a shame.”
Gemma continued and said: “I’ve never been to Wiff Waff but I hope they get enough online orders to keep them going.”
Jodie Brown, 39 is a full-time from Sneitnon. Jodie said: “I’ve been in here once or twice, it’s a lovely idea, so many people have dogs including me and you want to treat your pet and make sure they have nice things.”
Jodie continued and said: “In all honesty, I don’t go to Sneinton Market that often and every time I have gone, it’s been quiet there. "There's always a few people working in Blend."
The Wiff Waff studio may be open at times for customers to pick up products. Customers would need to contact staff beforehand to do so.
Nottingham City Council’s Head of Business Growth, Robert Dixon, said: “Sneinton Market remains a thriving home for creative and digital businesses in the city. As with other parts of any city, there is a churn of businesses, with new ones moving in, some expanding and moving into larger premises, and some needing to either downsize, move to cheaper premises or unfortunately close.
“Some of the businesses that have succeeded there have created their own events programme and brought footfall to the market, helping to create the unique feel of the area, as showcased earlier this year at Light Night.
“We’ve recently seen the new Bustler Market move into Avenues D and E bringing new custom to the area and many developments happening nearby, including a new vegan food store and new flats being created on Nelson Street/Huntingdon Street. These, along with major developments at The Island Quarter, will bring in more people to the city, and more investment into Nottingham.”
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