Parade is a winner for eclectic mix of traders
A whole host of traders say that there is ‘no place better’ in Bath to run an independent shop than their street. It was reported earlier this year there were more than 40 empty shops and buildings in the city and that number continues to rise. But away from the city centre, one street in particular does not have one single vacant shop. That street is Widcombe Parade – home to an eclectic mix of independent traders. When the Cakery opened in October 2017, joining florists, gastro pubs, delis, cafés and gift and art shops among others, it meant every shop on the street was filled. Jon Ison, co-owner of Widcombe Deli, says Widcombe Parade is a part of Bath that is going from strength to strength. “It is near town but it is not town. It is probably the only street in Bath where every commercial premises is open,” he said. “There’s a good mix of locals and tourists. For those who don’t want the hustle and bustle of the city centre, people can come here. “In town the rates are based on footfall, therefore the rents are so high. The only way you can survive is to sell a not very good product at a very expensive price – that is why you have very few independents. “This street is very successful. It is a safe area and everyone supports each other – I would say there is no place better to be an independent shop than here.” Simon Brown, co-owner of cards, arts and gifts shop Flamingo, said the street provides pretty much everything you need. “It is a great street because there is an assortment of shops providing so many different things,” he said. “We complement each other well. There is a real neighbourhood feel. I would imagine there is less of that in the centre. “Every single shop here is filled. We have a loyal base of locals that come but also get tourists who come here because they are delighted to not find any chains. “We are close to the station and are the gateways to the canals and the National Trust. We won’t be paying as much rent as you would if you were opposite the Roman Baths for instance. It is sad that independents are closing in Bath. “We cater first to locals and second to tourists and in the centre it is the other way around. “This business has been going for three years and it is getting better each year.” Bath Spa Florists is still going strong 11 years on from moving from its old base where Southgate Shopping Centre now stands. “It speaks for itself that we are doing well because we are still going strong,” said shop worker Cassie Wootten. “There is a great community feel here. We all look after each other. We have our regular customers and we are picking up more too.” Fellow staff member, Anna Marsh, added: “We used to have a pitch up near M&S but the rental is very high. The council does not help local businesses enough. You are just another number. “Widcombe is a great place to be for shops like us.” Ella Cooper, 23, opened The Cakery in October 2017 and it has proved to be a good decision. Café assistant Sue Evans said: “We were the shop that made it 100 per cent of shops being filled here. “Other than a bank and post office, you have practically everything you need. “We have our regulars that shop here because it is convenience and you get that good service in a personal way. You get passing trade too. They wander down and they like what they see. “This is a nice place to be when the Christmas market is on as it is less frenetic. “We are a vegetarian and vegan café so although there are food places here we all offer something different. “The community embraces the shops. We are all good friends, we hold each other in high regard. “We are not in competition with each other like places in the centre might be. “Each of us recommends customers to go to places along the street, be it the cafe or the deli. “I massively agree that this is the best place for independent shops. “There are no empty shops here and that cannot be said for the centre of Bath.”