News: Rotherham's niche retail offer boosted by grants scheme

The Wedding Lounge has become the latest retail outlet to open in Rotherham town centre with the help of the council's Business Vitality Grants.

33 businesses have opened since January and nine of which were assisted by the grants scheme. The mix of new retailers range from the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop to national chains such as Toymaster and The Works.

More retailers are set to open soon with Jayne's Blinds & Homes Interiors fitting-out a unit on High Street in time for opening before Christmas as is Sayas Coffee and a travel agency within Imperial Buildings.

The council's Business and Retail Investment Team expect to see 40 new businesses open before Christmas.

The Wedding Lounge is an all year wedding fair and in addition to a fabulous collection of bridal wear and accessories, they also offer help and support in all aspects of the organisation of a couple's big day.

As a result of her experience in the wedding industry, the owner Sheree Ratcliffe, is able to provide a complete wedding service from choosing wedding stationery to helping source a photographer and the perfect evening entertainment.

Sheree said: "My aim is to ensure the bride's day is as easy as possible to plan whilst also giving other businesses a platform to promote their services. I have some major exhibitors such as Doncaster Racecourse, Paula Blake (who provides table decorations and chair covers for Chatsworth House) and Cherished Rolls Royce wedding cars.

"My intention is to put Rotherham town centre on the map – exhibitors from York are already commenting that they should have a permanent presence here."

The Wedding Lounge website
Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: Big Box Photography