Shoppers and business owners have spoken out about retail in an area where customers are ‘consistently genuine’ and businesses go ‘the extra mile.’ On Trent Boulevard in Lady Bay, there aren’t as many shops as there are in neighbouring West Bridgford - but Lady Bay businesses have left a good impression on their locals.
Lady Bay is home to a selection of local shops, as well as Lady Bay Fish and Chips, a Green King pub and the Lady Bay retail park is just over the bridge. With well-established independent shops where local residents are regulars too, people try and support them as much as they can.
Jon Gray, a barber, has worked in Lady Bay for the past 13 years. Jon, from Matlock Bath agrees the travel to work is worth it. He said: “Lady Bay is a nice area, the people are consistently genuine and that’s never changed. You get kids waving past and parents, most of my clients live around but I’m comfortable here.”
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Jon disclosed what other areas he thinks are nice if he was to open another barbers. He said: “Compton Acres. There, it’s a big area - and there’s the shopping precinct. you’d make a killing, people wouldn’t have to travel for a haircut.”
Lady Bay has a population of over 5,000 people. It sits on the banks of the Trent and nearby landmarks in the area include Lady Bay bridge, which is over 140 years old. Witek Wilczynski owns the Snail & Rabbit on 82 Trent Boulevard. The shop has been running for a decade.
Inside the shop, you’ll find dozens of reasonably priced teas from Jasmine Earl Grey, Kenya Itumbe, Japan Bancha and more.
Witek said: “There are quite a few things selling well: teas of course and we have Polish handmade pottery. We have regulars, we’ve been open for 10 years and do a lot of outdoor events.”
Witek continued: “It can be quite difficult finding us because we’re not on the high street but living in Lady Bay is beautiful, it’s quiet and the people are friendly.”
Shoppers spoke about retail in the area too. Sanita Mason, 34 who lives in Lady Bay and works for a security company, has always enjoyed going for coffees in the area.
She said: “It’s a very quiet area and for that reason, I always try to purchase something from the shops in Lady Bay at least twice a week. There are some things you have to get in other places and for me, that means only nipping to West Bridgford but Lady Bay is great.”
Sanita continued: “ I go to the Co-Op, I take my son to the barbers and like going for coffees at Bread and Butterflies.”
Bread and Butterflies is a café decided to go 100% vegan back in 2022 after a successful trial. It sells the usual classics: hot drinks, a full English breakfast, sandwiches and more.
Holly Chamberlain, 29, who has lived in the area for just over a year, said: “My husband is a regular at the Lady Bay, we like going there for meals sometimes on a Saturday too.”
The full time mum continued: “It would be nice if there was a cheaper convenience shop in the area, I know that there used to be but people in the shops are friendly. The women in the Good Weigh are so friendly, I’ve been in a few times to buy pasta and whatever else but they’re all just happy to have a chat.”
