Proud owners of thriving businesses in the heart of Nottingham city centre say they have 'bucked the trend' on as many shops continue to struggle. Traders in the city centre have described the 'renaissance' of Bridlesmith Gate, and how it has become a 'cool and fresh' high street.
It comes after a tough time for retail in recent years - with two years of restrictions, lockdowns and now a cost of living crisis. While this has meant closures, Nottingham has seen a wave of independent shops opening across the city, including the regeneration of Bridlesmith Gate in the past year.
Kirsty Hole, co-owner of the 101 Vintage shop, said more independent businesses "should take the risk" in Bridlesmith Gate. She opened up her store in August 2021, and has talked about her experience in the area, adding: "It would be nice to see more independent shops on the street.
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"We just need more independent businesses to take the risk. Because it is a risk, for any independent business."
The 35-year-old added: "Our business was a success. We are really happy here.
"I think since more shops have opened, we have definitely seen more customers through the doors. It is becoming a very vibrant area. It is great."
Commenting on other shop closures elsewhere in the city centre, she added: "We buck the trend. The independent businesses here bring a lot of students, who are our customers also."
Ms Hole added: "We still stock special pieces. But we have a lot more items at an affordable price."
The street has undergone huge changes in the last year. In 2022 Arran Bailey, managing director of property developer ALB Group, bought retail units in the city - with the vision of creating a hub of independent shops, bars and cafes to make the street 'cool again'. 'Vibrant' art work and painting on buildings also added to the change, leading some shoppers to say it made you feel like 'you were in Camden Town'.
Just opposite the vivid orange 101 Vintage storefront, there is a new independent clothing shop that opened in December last year. Co-designer at Two4tell, Rai Stewart, added: "I am from Nottingham, and I remember that before, there was not much here."
The 23-year-old added: "I have seen a rise in independent shops. A lot of retail shops that specialise in clothing have opened.
"The high street has changed. There is definitely a renaissance of this street. The customers here are very quirky, very youthful.
"It is nice having a place that has cool clothes for everyone. I do not wear the average clothes, and this is the place where you would find cool clothes."
Sales assistant at Relic x Hooked, Mwenya Chitundu, 23, has echoed other traders' excitement, adding: "Four years ago, this street was all about luxury and fashion. Now, you have diversity which is nice, cool and fresh.
"It is a really cool mix - someone who goes to Boss could then spot a vintage store and say 'oh, I want to see what they have got'. The new vintage stores are what fashion is all about now - to be sustainable and cool."
"It is a really good mix. Bridlesmith Gate has now become a high street - it is in the heart of the city, it has a huge footfall."
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