INDEPENDENT retailers who have served the community for generations still have a key role to play in the economic wellbeing of the town centre.

Eddie Hoffman, who runs jewellers Jones and Hoffman with his wife Sharon and son Ryan at Church Square shopping centre, says that businesses such as theirs offer a personal service which cannot be matched by national or multi-national stores.

“We have been here 11 years and in that time have built up a regular clientele whom we know on a first name basis,” he said. “That is appreciated by them.

“We call ourselves ‘the jewellers you can trust’ and we pride ourselves on being able to go the extra mile to please our customers.

“We offer a very individual service and can make bespoke wedding rings, engagement rings and other personal items, with diamonds that the customers themselves can choose.

“Independent businesses bring diversity to a town and help give a town centre its identity, so it’s important that they continue to flourish and are supported.”

That view is shared by Philip Jackson of Side Walk Menswear at Church Square, which has been a family business for the past 28 years.

St Helens Star:

Philip Jackson the owner and manager of Side Walk Menswear

 

 

“We are here six days a week and have built up a relationship with our customers, who have confidence in us and know they can trust us,” he said.

“Unlike many of the big-name stores, we cater for all ages from 18 to 80 and we have a very loyal customer base, which is important to us. That kind of loyalty is reciprocated and is not found in the large stores.”

Philip, who took over the business from his father, says that independent traders contribute a tremendous amount to the vibrancy and character of a town at a time when so many centres are dominated by chain stores, and so it is vital that they continue to trade.

Among the services offered by butchers Gabbotts Farm, which has been in St Helens for more than 20 years, is a ‘Senior Citizens’ Day’ every Monday, when discounts are available.

St Helens Star:

Darren Rushton manager at Gabbotts Farm

 

 

“That is the kind of thing which supermarkets do not do, and it helps to build up a good relationship with customers,” said area manager Howard Lomax.

The company, which has half a dozen butchers and delis throughout the north west, employs nine people in Church Square, which also makes a contribution to the local economy.