Local traders rally round to save their high street

It’s a scene that’s repeated up and down the country; empty high streets with shuttered-up shops. 

It’s no secret that the high street is struggling, with business conditions tougher than ever making it hard for independent traders to make ends meet. However, a group of Ashton businesses aren’t taking it lying down.

More than 40 independent traders in Ashton have teamed up for the Totally Locally Fiver Fest which challenges shoppers to spend £5 on their local high street instead of in chain stores or online. 

Were everyone in Tameside to do the same, it would be worth millions to the local economy.

The Fiver Fest runs this week, ending on Saturday, October 12, and encompasses 46 businesses from butchers to jewellers.

Val Unwin, Tameside organiser of the Fiver Fest says that it’s gone from strength to strength since their first festival. 

She said: “The first Fiver Fest we did was in June this year and we had around 20 businesses, this time we’ve got 46 businesses. That’s in the market hall and around Ashton. 

“I’ve got to stress this is about independent businesses, its nothing to do with big chains or anything like that.

“We’ve got the current financial situation, we’ve got Brexit which is affecting everyone’s business and in Ashton we’ve had five years of redevelopment, the parking debacle and so we really need to let people know what there is for them in Ashton and this is a good way of doing it.

“Most people are quite receptive to the idea, its a change from a while ago - there was a lot of apathy - but I think people now are happy to get on board with events like this and showcase their businesses, lets get people back in Ashton shopping.”

Spencer Grady of Grade A Jewellery is another small business owner that’s taking part and he says that while independent traders are struggling, initiatives like this help drive people back to the high street. 

“It’s a good idea,” he said. 

“People are quite excited about it and its getting bigger and bigger. We did it earlier this year and got quite a few businesses on board and this time a lot more are getting involved with it. It just gets more people onto the high street and into the independents.

“It [the high street] is struggling, we are struggling. People are tending to shop online but we’ve got to keep our businesses at the fore so people don’t forget about us, we are still here and we have a good service to offer. 

“Real, independent shops round here have something that’s different to what you see on the internet so have a walk round, see what we do. 

“We do something unique, we give that personal touch and if something goes wrong you can get it changed while with the internet you’re waiting.

“We give that customer service and this is what the Fiver Fest is all about, getting our names back into the fore and letting everyone know that we’re still here.

“We’re all banding together to try and get people back into the independent side of Ashton. The parking is working great now, there’s loads of free spaces on Stamford Street and the surrounding areas so if you’re coming down for just an hour you can park your car, there’s loads of spaces, and they’re turning over regularly. 

“There’s ample opportunity for you to nip in and get your bits and pieces. It’s easy again to come into Ashton.”

Pearson’s Butchers are another well-known Ashton name that are getting in on the act, and son of the owner Joel Pearson says that it’s a good idea: “Val came and asked us about it and we said yes we’ll do it, it’s a good idea. We’ve put it in the window and it’s selling well if I’m honest. A lot of people are having the offer but not only that, they’re buying extra stuff on top of it which is always better for us.

“Since the market burned down and we went into the Phoenix Hall I think everyone lost a bit of trade. The last couple of years it’s slowly picking itself up and getting back to where its supposed to be.

“Sometimes you’ve got to take matters into your own hands and it’s good that the local shops are all getting involved.”

Another famous Ashton name taking part in the Fiver Fest is New Shu, formerly the Shubar, who are now in new premises on Market Street. 

Owner Deborah Turner says that the increased footfall is helping all businesses. 

She said: “It’s really increased footfall in the town, you can tell it’s bringing people in.

“It’s really important that as local, independent businesses we band together to get people into town and shopping. Even if you’re just spending a fiver it makes a big difference.

“All the old faces are finding us and we’ve still got the same brands and stock so it’s going well. It’s a nice space.”

It’s not just clothing shops that are taking part in the Fiver Fest, the Five Star (TripAdvisor) rated Nat’s Bombay Kitchen on the indoor market are tempting shoppers in with their excellent value food. 

Nat said: “Its doing quite well at the moment, its something different which gives the customer a little bit extra - a bonus to whatever else they’re buying.

“It’s better if we all join in together so we can achieve something. It will bring a bit more footfall and the customers will look forward to coming here for different things.

“Of course its very important, if you’ve got a good footfall into the indoor market. We provide a good range of stuff at valuable prices. The more traders join in, the more business there is and the more profit there is for everybody.”