News: Markets thrive in Rotherham town centre

Rotherham's Indoor Market continues to grow from strength to strength with a new card and gift stall recently opening, as well as the expansion of a popular clothing stall.

Julie Ellerby, owner of Love and Best Wishes card stall, saw the opportunity to expand her business into Rotherham town centre and opened last week.

Mr Saief Akram, owner of To Die for Couture, has also found trading so successful that he has decided after less than two years of trading, to expand to a double unit extending his range of up to date ladies and teenage fashion.

Director of Planning and Regeneration Paul Woodcock said: "We know from our shoppers surveys that people visiting the town centre enjoy the Markets, and we hope with this influx of new stalls and the exciting events programme we have planned including another Garden Lovers Fayre on 21st and 22nd May, will continue to be a key draw for shoppers, offering something distinctive to other nearby shopping destinations."

The card business, which also supplies a range of quality celebratory giftware, already operates successfully on Sheffields Market.

Julie is looking forward to trading in Rotherham and said: "I think it will be fantastic to trade in Rotherham town centre as well as Sheffield. I am extremely pleased to say that during very difficult trading times. I am in a position to expand my business and am excited that it can be in Rotherham, my home town."

The council's Town Centre Management Team are also continuing to drive the Business Vitality Grants scheme, which has already resulted in four new businesses opening and four businesses receiving their grant offer this week.

Another four businesses are working through the grants application and business planning process, and the team hopes to announce soon that a 12th new businesses will have received a grant to help it set up in Rotherham town centre.

Rotherham Town Centre website
Rotherham

Images: rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk