The Newark Advertiser went out in Newark to find out about people’s favourite shops
This week the Advertiser went out to find out Newarkers’ favourite shops around town, and what makes them so special.
Despite the number of closed shops in town, there are still plenty of retailers that people hold close to them and consider personal favourites.
The majority of names mentioned by the people we spoke to refer to independent shops and market stalls that have made name over the years.
“I like Porters, it’s my favourite shop because it’s been here for such a long time and it’s a nice old fashioned old shop. It’s a proper one,” said Debbie Smith.
Another said: “Vintage Vixen the clothing shop, Retro Rocket, Record shop and I also like the antique shops. They are run by interesting people, they are creative and I like the people that run them.”
Contributing to smaller businesses run by independent can really make a difference to a town’s economy and Newark, known for its market, can see the benefits of it.
Virginia Chattam said: “My favourite shop is Shirt Sleeves because they have a good variety of clothes and some really good sales.”
To add a little twist on this week's vox pop, we decided to ask some of the owners of those businesses why they thought people liked them and what is special and different about them.
Starting with Turner’s, Nicky Turner said: “This is my dad’s business, he started 22 years ago, nearly 23 and he bakes overnight on a unit in an industrial state.
“Back then he was doing it all by himself when we were kids. We’ve grown up in this town, we’ve seen a lot of people growing up in the town.”
“We’ve always been here three days a week regardless of the time and we always get regular people and get to know each other, it’s been a long time.”
Next up we have Clive Streets who used to work at the fruit and vegetable stall for over 50 years before he passed it on to Sam Hardings. Mr Streets said: “We sell quality stuff and over the years we’ve got to know all the customers, and we know most of them by their first names, and we’ve always been pleasant to them and helpful and we sell nice stuff so that about does it,”
Maxine-Hoole Jackson, owner of Retro Rocket Clothing, shop said: “I suppose that the handpicked stock makes it different. And satisfied customers saying that they love the shop is a bonus to it.”
The Advertiser now asks all of its readers – what is your favourite shop in town and why?
