Littlehampton shop owners celebrate reopening of stores: ‘it’s nice to be missed’

On Monday, Littlehampton was transformed as shops reopened for the first time in months.
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The High Street was full of life as customers returned to non-essential stores, which welcomed them back for the first time since lockdown began on March 23.

And shop owners were delighted to be back.

Paul Wakeman from Bah Humbug Sweets in Anchor Springs praised the Government furlough scheme and local business grants for keeping them afloat. He also applauded Arun District Council and Littlehampton Town Council for investing in a community business warden for two months, adding to the presence already in town.

Owner of Spokes Cycles bike shop in Beach Road, Littlehampton, Andrew Sleeman. Picture: Derek MartinOwner of Spokes Cycles bike shop in Beach Road, Littlehampton, Andrew Sleeman. Picture: Derek Martin
Owner of Spokes Cycles bike shop in Beach Road, Littlehampton, Andrew Sleeman. Picture: Derek Martin
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He said: “The business we took yesterday and Monday showed we haven’t lost our customer base, but we need people to shop local.”

Travis Hayler, owner of Sussex Business Solutions in Beach Road, has helped local businesses transition to home working and online shopping during the lockdown.

He said: “The resilience of local businesses has been outstanding. Five or ten years ago, much of this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Harvey Finch, manager of the Guild Care charity shop in Duke Street, said the team were glad to be back, adding: “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback. One morning, we had a lady waiting at quarter to nine to buy something.”

DM2060094a.jpg Littlehampton shops reopening after lockdown. Photo by Derek Martin PhotographyDM2060094a.jpg Littlehampton shops reopening after lockdown. Photo by Derek Martin Photography
DM2060094a.jpg Littlehampton shops reopening after lockdown. Photo by Derek Martin Photography
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Oz and Victoria Williams from the Upper Crust sandwich shop in East Street opened for takeaways on June 1 and said online ordering had become ‘an awful lot more important’ during lockdown.

Victoria said: “I think people are pleased to have us back. It’s nice to be missed.”

Philip Mitchell from Sussex Mobiles in Church Street has put in a one in, one out system to keep customers safe, saying this was a priority.

Jane Weller from The Flower Bowl in The Arcade said her customers had missed the social element of shopping. “They have missed the friendliness, coming in, having a chat. Some people haven’t had anyone to talk to.”

DM2060096a.jpg Littlehampton shops reopening after lockdown. Photo by Derek Martin PhotographyDM2060096a.jpg Littlehampton shops reopening after lockdown. Photo by Derek Martin Photography
DM2060096a.jpg Littlehampton shops reopening after lockdown. Photo by Derek Martin Photography
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Littlehampton mayor David Chace went down on opening day to show his support. He said: “We’ve got to support local traders and let everyone know they are back open and safe.”

Andrew Sleeman from Spokes Cycles in Beach Road, Littlehampton, remained open during lockdown and said business had been booming as people turned to cycling as one of the few Government-permitted pastimes. He had been working 10 hours a day, seven days a week to meet demand.

He said: “It is nice to claw it back from the internet and bigger chains. The independents have stepped it up and said ‘we can do it’.

Staci Mendoza-Quinn, who runs Way Out There & Back in Evans Garden, said they had used the lockdown to do a refit of the store, which is ongoing. She said: “Even though the period we have experienced has been hugely stressful, coming out the other side is utterly exhilarating as it has given me a chance to create a shopping experience at a highly arty funky style with a slick modern approach.

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“I’m so very excited about the future for Way Out There & Back and look forward to trading for another 28 years from the very same charismatic courtyard.”

On Facebook, people backed the call to shop local.

Brian Haran said: “I’m all for getting behind our town and shopping locally.”

Tiffany Miles said: “People moan about the lack of shops in town but if people don’t use the ones we’ve got now we will have even less.”

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