May 21, 2008

New shops ready for springBy Gary Bills-GeddesLedburyReporter.co.uk

Retailers are voting with their future and opening up new businesses in Ledbury.

At least five new businesses have either opened or are set to open in town this spring.

This is despite international fears over the credit crunch and earlier local concerns over the impact of mains water repairs in the town centre.

Most of the retailers setting up stall in Ledbury say it is a big vote of confidence in the market town.

Fashion Giant Austin Reed opened the “CC” boutique in the former tourist information centre on May 16.

Austin Reed spokesperson, Amanda Macleod Smith, said it was the strategy to open stores in market towns like Ledbury, where shoppers like to shop locally.

The Little Shop of Wonders toy shop has moved from Malvern and has just opened in Bye Street.

Owner Duncan Cresswell said: “The premises came up at the right time and hopefully we’ll be here for a long time. We are getting lots of customers through the door and we have been very warmly welcomed.”

Read complete article.