Shopwatch

By mbarber

SHOPWATCH aims to keep readers informed about what's happening on their local high street and down the road at the village stores and farm shop.

Although in this current climate there may be more closures than openings to report, we're focusing on the positive, highlighting whenever possible the shops and businesses that are trying to find ways to keep the customers coming through their doors.

Men's fashion shop in Wimborne is upbeat

BARRY Elsworth, deputy chairman of Wimborne Chamber of Trade, is confident about the future.

He said: "After the closure of Canford bridge last year, Wimborne seemed to be feeling the credit crunch more than most, but since Christmas, when it re-opened, trade has started to return and Wimborne is fighting back."

Barry, who owns Main Stream Menswear which is in its fourth year of trading said: "We are very optimistic about the future; we seem to have found a gap in the market which we are having a very good response to. We are continuing to build up a strong loyal customer base, which seems to appreciate our old-fashioned customer service, which is sometimes lacking from the big multiples. I think people are wanting to feel valued again."

Osteopathic practice celebrates first year of business

THINGS are looking good for The Practice in Victoria Road, Ferndown which hosted a successful open day to celebrate its first anniversary.

Osteopaths Lucy Ross-Browne and George Fridd who own and run The Practice say: "The first year has been a great success.The feedback so far has been encouragingly positive and the sense of community in Ferndown means word has travelled quickly.

"The Practice has been a great asset to Ferndown providing fast and effective treatment for a huge range of musculoskeletal problems. Over the first year our osteopaths have helped hundreds of people with a large variety of problems back to a pain free life. We have seen patients who are just a few weeks old in the Children's clinic and those in their nineties and all ages in between."

Ringwood traders join forces

MORE than 70 traders are to participate in a new loyalty discount scheme.

Monthly vouchers providing discounts ranging from 5-20% will be available in participating shops.

The scheme will be launched on Monday 2nd March.

Chocolate sales show no signs of flagging

PEOPLE'S craving for chocolate shows no sign of flagging.

Carol McDonald, proprietor of Courtyard Candies & Chocolates in Lytchett Minster said: "People do comfort eat at times like this and we are seeing a steady increase in business. Luxury chocolate is regarded as an affordable treat.

"We're now moving into new areas, such as chocolate parties, corporate chocolates and mail order, to meet demand."

Courtyard Candies & Chocolates opened for business last year after Carol, and husband Patrick, took over premises at The Courtyard Centre.

The couple, who previously ran chocolate shops in Cornwall and Sherborne, import the chocolates from Belgium. The shop is open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday.

If you're opening a new shop and would like to be considered for a mention in Shopwatch, at no cost, do get in touch. Maybe you're already in business and you're fighting back against the recession. Share the news with us.

call Marilyn Barber on 01202 896966 or email mbarber@bvmedia.co.uk