Customers are coming back say Harrogate's oldest - and newest - shops as Christmas season boosts trade

People power: Long Lands Common appeal hit new total of £340,000 thanks to Harrogate public

Jespers stationery shop, 14 Oxford Street, Harrogate

The Yorkshire-based Morris and Vickers families took over the much-loved stationery and fine writing shop Jespers, in October last year.

With such a long Harrogate heritage; it first opened its doors in 1901, Jespers’ retail manageress Lynn Cummings is proud to be able to serve customers again. She said: “It is great to be open again after the second lockdown to welcome our customers old and new.

“The last few days have been very busy for us and, hopefully, this will continue in the Christmas season.

“We would like people to come and support their local independent businesses to keep our wonderful town centre alive.”

Joy grocery shop, 23 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate

Nic Mawdsley and Simon Bollon opened their new organic grocery store in the last week of November.

The current difficult situation was not going to stop them living their dream.

Mr Bollon said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positivity of the local community and we’re delighted that people see us as having a positive impact in return, being part of our local community.

"We’re optimistic that people want to shop local and with a conscience. People have become more mindful in the choices they make on many levels so I expect to see people moving more towards local, independent businesses that support and provide a positive impact on the community and society."

Ogden of Harrogate, 38 James Street, Harrogate:

Ogden’s jewellers of Harrogate has boasted a nationwide reputation for fine jewellery and luxury watches since 1893.

Based on James Street, Harrogate’s most prestigious address in retail, it has been heartened by the response since the shop reopened last week.

Robert Ogden, who was a founder member of pressure group Independent Harrogate formed in the summer of 2019, told the Harrogate Advertiser: “We’ve had a good start in December in Harrogate. Footfall has been good and we’ve seen a lot of customers in the shop and also through online.

“It’s definitely a case of so far, so good.”

Much-loved Harrogate restaurant offering a warm Christmas welcome to customers despite Tier 2 challenges

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