By Josh Marsh –
Shoppers are being reminded to continue backing local businesses across Chesterfield ahead of Independents Day. (6th & 7th July)
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is championing its independent businesses, which have achieved success thanks to a start-up initiative driven by the centre’s landlord.
The independents at Vicar Lane have brought a diverse offering to the centre, which has had a positive impact on Chesterfield Town Centre.
Vicar Lane’s oldest independent, Chinese Acupuncture Clinic, Acuherb, is a leading provider of holistic family healthcare clinic offers the very best in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, qigong, acupressure (Tui-Na) massage and lifestyle counselling. Owner May, took ownership of the clinic back in 2010, having worked for the business previously.
Gift shop, Shop Indie was one of the first independent retailers to join Vicar Lane as part of the Landlord’s start-up initiative in October 2019. Owned and run by Lisa and John who are passionate about supporting independent makers, both locally and across the UK, the once pop-up store is now approaching its fifth year with Vicar Lane.
Sustainable toy shop, The Little Ark, was founded in 2021 by Liz Telford-Sides, who whilst on maternity leave with her second child, was shocked by the amount of plastic used to manufacture and package toys. So, Liz began investigating eco-friendly alternatives and started sourcing toys from beautiful brands that were sustainable with no plastic packaging leading to her opening up her first shop in the Chesterfield Market Hall. In April 2023, Liz relocated the business to Steeplegate, expanding the size of the shop and continuing to expand their ranges, providing toys that will last for generations to come.
Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit joined Steeplegate in November 2023, having previously started out in the Market Hall as Ginspired. With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, owner Matt has matured the business and grown it in size. Today they stock over a twelve hundred lines, including 200 different types of Gin, over 200 types of Whisky including a range of mature 24-year-old bottles, over 100 types of Rum, and around 300 different Craft beers, local real ales, ciders, and more.
Also starting off from humble market stall beginnings, Clarissa’s Interiors joined the high street in February 2020 when they opened up their first bricks and mortar store on Steeplegate. Owned by Jayne and Clare, mother and daughter, the family run business have a passion for interiors and home décor, stock a wide range of beautiful handpicked products that have to meet the highest quality criteria.
Menswear brands store, Ministry of Design offers a personalised in store experience. The team take their time to understand the desires of each customer that walks in and finds clothing to fit everyone. Having opened up in 2016, the store now stocks designer lines from Armani, Fred Perry and BOSS. Ministry is the place to shop if you’re looking to upgrade your style and get on brand.
The Vintage Tearooms relocated to Steeplegate during the Covid19 pandemic. Having originally started off as a chef for the tearooms, Sharon took on ownership of the venture and has grown the business from a sweet spot for afternoon tea, to a very popular establishment offering clean cooked breakfasts and staple lunch time meals. In 2022, Sharon purchased the bakery who supplied their cakes, moving them to a kitchen upstairs above the tearooms.
Having relocated from the Market Hall, foodie favourite Qoozies opened up on Steeplegate in 2017. Last year, the café saw new owners take over the business, launching fresh ideas and re-imagined menus. Qoozies prides themselves on preparing many of their iconic favourites from scratch, including their classic pancakes, irresistible sweet potato hash browns and unique spinach fritters.
The latest addition to the independents on Steeplegate is Brand Runner, who opened up just in time for Christmas last year. This family run business supplies the latest designer brands at prices to suit all budgets. Brand Runner specialises in bringing you designer brands that you love at a fraction of the price.
This year, the official Independents Day UK campaign to celebrate independently run businesses in high streets across the UK, is having its annual focus across a full weekend, on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July. To celebrate, Vicar Lane will be launching a competition on their social channels, to win a hamper including products for their independent stores. The competition will launch on 7th July and details can be found on Vicar Lane’s Facebook page @VicarLaneShoppingCentre.
Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “We always strive to support and recognise the positive impact our independent retailers have on our local community. Each one has their own special story and brings something different to the town centre. We are proud to be able to offer a complete range of retail, entertainment and food and beverage outlets that cater for all styles, needs and wishes”.
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
