It's been a difficult year for Nottingham's retail industry as many shops struggled amid the rising cost of living and an increase in energy bills. Sadly, this has meant a series of closures across the city with many shops we have loved closing their doors for the final time.
However, it's not all doom and gloom as the independent and small business owners are fighting back with many new stores opening across the city centre. Here, we look back at some of the shops we have loved and lost this year along with some new stores that are becoming fast favourites.
Windblower on Derby Road surprised many in the musical community when the owners announced their retirement in May. Margaret Frogson and David Oldershaw made a passionate plea for someone to take on the historical shop so it wouldn't close after 40 years.
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Although the shop is now closed and due to become the Haunted Museum in early January, there was good news when it was announced new owners would be opening a new Windblowers in the technology park in Beeston. The new shop is already open for trading with plans to pick up the workshop - which was a vital part of the old shop - in the new year.
Another long-standing shop in the city centre sadly closed on Wheeler Gate this year after its owners retired. David and Julia Heath first opened their J Herbert Jewelers on Wheeler Gate in 1996 but had been part of the business since 1989.
The store had survived three recessions, the financial crash and also two years of Covid. The couple had provided jewellery, in particular wedding rings, to many generations of Nottingham residents - creating happy memories and connections which made its closure rather sad.
There were a few big brand closures this year with Jack Wills announcing the closure of its Bridlesmith Gate store in December with a view to being shut by next month. The store has currently reduced all stock to clear and staff from other locations have been brought in to assist with the closure.
The Three mobile store on Albert Street also closed this year in July with residents filled with sadness at what was once a thriving high street. Cath Kidson closed on Bridlesmith Gate in March with the premises reopening as Aura art gallery later in the year.
It wasn't all bad news, however, as many independent shops opened across the city centre selling everything from candles to fabric supplies. In Sneinton, the Avenues welcomed gothic candle company Wolf Wytch Apothecary in October and Textile Guru haberdashery shop.
Speaking at the launch, owner Lauren Wolf said: "I've lived in Nottingham twice and the first time I was here, I walked around Sneinton thinking how cool this could be. None of the units were open then but I thought this could be such a cool little community if there was more retail like small shops that people could have businesses in."
The newly colourful Bridlesmith Gate saw lots of new additions this year including a brand new Stick and Ribbon store after the owner Sally Longden relocated from Cobden Chambers. Relic X Hooked also opened its doors in the former Diesel location after moving from its top-floor Victoria Centre location.
Designer store Mint Duck opened on Middle Pavement Street stocking everything from Lacoste to Jesse Lingard's line of clothing. Further up Bridlesmith Gate, Two4tell also opened its doors in mid-December in the former Urban Decay store.
Hidden gem side street, Cobden Chambers, also saw a lot of change this year with new stores opening up throughout the year. The Hungry Ghost opened as a cafe and also, a shop stocking some of Nottingham's best independent craft makers and businesses. It's one of the best places to go for a quirky gift or a strong coffee, or failing that, both.
A new vintage store, Karma Vintage, opened its doors on the first floor of the co-working space at the back of the street overlooking the courtyard. It's a treasure trove of fashionable once-loved items including some one-off designs.
Still Together opened in Cobden at the start of autumn stocking a collection of well-curated independent pieces including a display of very collectable sunglasses. On St James Terrace, a new dedicated K-pop shop and cafe, the House of PKL, opened in November selling all things Korean pop music merchandise related along with street food in the downstairs cafe.
When it comes to food shops, Cake Box opened a new location in Sneinton providing egg-free fresh cake and cupcakes. Over in Beeston, new arts and crafts store, the Plane Tree on High Street provides people with complex needs and learning disabilities the chance to take their first steps into employment in a supported environment.
There are some promising signs that we may be able to look forward to new stores opening early in the year although it's forecast to be a struggle for businesses for a while yet. Retail took a surprising decrease over the usually busy Christmas months. There has never been a better time to support stores across Nottingham with a particular focus on small or independent businesses to help keep them open.
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