Independent Netherfield business owners understand that the cost of living is affecting retail in the area. The town has been described as “eerie” but business owners are thankful for their regular customers more than ever.
Netherfield has the Victoria Retail Park, home to stores such as B&M, Boots, Halfords, Marks and Spencers and more. The retail park also includes McDonalds, Greggs and Subway.
Independent business owners have spoken about the importance of shopping local. Steven Coxon, 62, owns the shop Back in the Day, selling everything from white goods and furniture to collectibles and more.
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The shop has been on 58 Victoria Road for 13 years. Mr Coxon said: “I understand that people are struggling with money at the moment but we let our customers know that things will be okay. I had a guy come in for a washing machine recently and I said ‘sorry Sir, I’ve got none at the moment’ but he said he’ll wait because we have a good reputation.”
"There are not many shops like this anymore, there are furniture shops but not shops like this. People come in and we just leave them to it, we let them have a browse and I tell them to give us a shout if they need us.”
Located near Mr Coxon’s store was a fruit and veg shop that was 'doing some good stuff', but it has now closed down. “When all these little shops go, we’ll be left to the big boys, with smaller shops, they go the extra mile,” Mr Coxon added.
Doors down from Back in the Day is The Key Shop on 48 Victoria Road. The owner of the Locksmiths is Michael Osbourne, 48.
Mr Osbourne said: “My business has been improving but I’ve got a friend in town who’s not taking off. During Covid, we did see an improvement and there’s an influx of new estates [in Netherfield] so it’s got to mean business.”
“We were good before [Covid] and we’re better now but that’s not the story you’ll hear from everyone.” October will mark 10 years of The Key Shop store in Netherfield.
“We’re not a luxury but I’m here if you need the service,” he added.
Shoppers in Netherfield feel that the Victoria Retail Park stops people from shopping locally. Anne Raynard, 49 has lived in Netherfield for more than 20 years. Currently a carer, Anne said: “I always try to shop as locally as possible and Netherfield has some really good shops, there’s Pre Loved, the Netherfield Pound Shop but I think because there’s the retail park, all these shops just get overlooked.”
“It would be nice to see more people walking down and browsing through the high street, on some days the high street is eerie, it’s really quiet and I'd say it's been like that for years but go down to the retail park and it’s packed.”
“With Covid and the way rents are through the roof, people do need to still make a living. Shop owners around here would do anything for people too, they're helpful and friendly, genuine people.”
Derek Abbot has lived in Netherfield all his life. Derek, who is 58 and retired, said: “You forget how many local businesses are actually down here sometimes, I’m guilty of it myself for not shopping locally enough. You find that when you shop around you end up saving more money but to nip into Co-Op or the retail park seems more convenient.”
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, said: "One of our key priorities is to create thriving and vibrant town centres, and we’ve been encouraging residents to shop locally and support independent businesses across the borough, including in Netherfield, as part of our #RediscoverGedlingBorough campaign.
“A local high street is more than a row of shops, it’s a community, and something that many residents rely on. I’d like to encourage residents to visit their local town centres and high streets where they can, and to thank the many small and independent businesses who play a vital role in our communities.”
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