New shops, due to open up in Market Harborough, will provide a welcome boost to the town, according to retailers and The Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
In the past few weeks, it has been confirmed a number of new businesses are looking to set up in Market Harborough town centre, boosting the town’s retail diversity.
The influx of new businesses to the town is making Harborough “stand out” against other town’s across the UK, and indicative of a growing “confidence” in the economy of the local area, say business leaders.
Clothes shop New Look has unveiled plans to open in the former Woolworths store in the Square, Monsoon is set open in former vacant premises in the High Street, discount store B and M Bargains is set to open in the former Marks & Spencer store, and games store Chips, and Majestic Wine, have opened stores in St Mary’s Road.
Other stores are opening in the shape of The Ice Bar – an ice-cream parlour on the corner of Abbey Street and Fairfield Road, and an, as yet, unnamed store is in talks to fill the former YMCA shop in the High Street.
Matthew Yousuf, manager of The Ice Bar, which opened on August 22, said: “I think shoppers who come into Harborough are surprised that it is such a thriving town compared to other places, which is great for the whole community. It also gives us a lot of confidence in opening a new business here.”
As well as new businesses flocking to Harborough, a number of established local business have revealed plans to expand.
George Hall Cycles in Northampton Road has just announced expansion plans and Pewter Design is set to move into bigger premises in St Mary’s Road.
The recent boom has been welcomed by the Buzzing Business group, made up of Harborough District Council, The Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
The group looks to promote good news and success stories in the local business community.
John Hill, Market Harborough Chamber of Trade president and Buzzing Business Group member said: “All these areas of business growth go to show that Market Harborough is doing very well considering the current climate and the confidence larger businesses are showing by coming to the town is very encouraging.
“There has to be a mixture of independent traders too and we are very fortunate in that we have a diverse range of these covering every sector. The independents are more than just shops in town they are part of Harborough’s thriving community and our town centre focus has been our strength making us stand out compared to other towns of a similar size in the UK.”
