Positive signs among the inconsistencies

The one thing that is consistent on the high street right now is change and inconsistency. From the unreliable weather, to the ups and downs of trading, to which businesses are closing and opening.

However, there are lots of positive signs on Chichester’s high street and the businesses that are providing the consistency are mostly the brilliant independents we have, such as Zig Zag Footwear, Bunch Florist, Clothkits, our neighbour Refilled, Serendipitous Bakery, Common Grounds Coffee Shop and more. We are many and we are still here, trying to offer difference and individuality.

I also know there are creative people taking a risk with new ventures in the city to offer spaces for those not hugely represented in Chichester right now, which is really heartening and will make the city stronger for it.

My business Winter’s Moon has also recently taken a leap forward with a second space in Crane Street, which is part studio for behind-the-scenes tasks but also a venue to host creative workshops. The positive shoots are there and I am hopeful that the high street will start to feel a little more settled and secure with less empty units, and the dayto-day challenges we all face will start to feel less daunting. For myself and my wonderful team, we are heading into the most important two months of the year, the weeks up to Christmas dictate so much of our prospects for 2024. But rest assured, we have some truly amazing products up our sleeves. Gifts you can give knowing they are made well, many made in the UK and are worth the resources that have been used to make them. We have the friendliest staff and our Christmas competition window is (if it comes off ) set to be our best yet. So we hope to see you at 29 North Street over the coming weeks – pop in and help make all our hard work worthwhile!