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The Guineas welcomes six new stores

The Guineas welcomed ‘The Pantry’ to its line-up as seven new retailers opened in Newmarket on one day!

• Newmarket beats the downturn
• 11 new shops in 6 months
• ‘Strictly Come Newmarket’ a resounding success

When Richard Goss, of Newmarket Retailers Association, got together with some colleagues at the end of last year to launch ‘Strictly Come Newmarket’ in a bid to attract new retailers to the town, little did they appreciate the size, creativity and intensity of the response and the support they would receive from the entire business community. One of the first people they canvassed for support was Ross McKittrick, Centre Manager of The Guineas shopping centre who was only too delighted to get behind the innovative programme.

“We thought we would be lucky to get around half a dozen prospective retailers presenting their proposals but we always knew that Newmarket’s existing shops would be supportive of an initiative aimed at encouraging new businesses and employment opportunities to the town,” said Richard. “Then came the hard part, both for the eager, nervous entrepreneurs and for our panel, as we had to judge 14 highly professional, creative and exciting pitches and whittle them down to just one winner.”

However, that is just what they did and earlier this month The Pantry was declared the winner of ‘Strictly Come Newmarket’ and ‘foxtrotted’ into its new premises in The Guineas selling local, British produce including Norfolk Rapeseed Oils, cheese, smoked fish, cured meats, cakes and freshly-baked breads in their delicatessen and offering traditional tasty British classic recipes in the restaurant. Indeed, The Pantry supports local retailers within the Centre, sourcing its seafood from Fish! and its fresh meat from Tennant’s butchers with 80% of its deli produce sourced within East Anglia.

But, such was the quality of the finalists in the competition that other retailers have also opened in the Town recently including two more at The Guineas, Black Cat Gifts and Fish.

Anne Marie McKeown of The Pantry said, “We have been overwhelmed by how positive and supportive everyone has been from members of the Retailers’ Association to our customers. We had wanted to open our own business for the last three years and although I grew up in Newmarket, we were looking at places such as Cambridge or Bury St Edmunds.

“Entering and winning the competition gave us the confidence and reassurance we needed to open in the town. The Grand Open Day organised by the Retailers’ Association was a huge success and showed what can be done when people want to make changes to their local community and economy.”

Trisha Bircham of Fish said, “It was daunting pitching our business to the Dragons, we were number 13, but it was lucky for us as we came second. The Strictly Open Day was a great success with lots of people turning out to enjoy the day. It’s great being next door to The Pantry, and The Black Cat, as we can support each other as we travel our business life.”

Julie Pile, of new retailer Black Cat Gifts said, “I had wanted to open my own premises for about seven years, having worked in retail for over 20 years. I knew what sort of shop I wanted to establish, how I wanted it to look and what I wanted to stock and as a result, our Home ware and Giftware shop was born. We are also expanding into the party planning business, Black Cat @ Home and have three agents working in our team which I plan to expand to 15! We are very excited by our business and about the future.”

Not content with helping local entrepreneurs onto the retail ladder, The Guineas has also welcomed other new shops to the Centre, including 3G, Bouquets and Roman Originals.

Richard Goss who is also owner of Venus Hair and Beauty said, “The competition succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. We were determined to uncover and encourage bright new retail talent, particularly from small businesses and young entrepreneurs and to gain new, exciting shops for Newmarket. We wanted to prove that not only was Newmarket a vibrant town, but that it was an exciting, forward-thinking town and I think we have achieved that.”

Ross agreed, “We are determined to build on the success of ‘Strictly Come Newmarket’ and continue to attract, support and develop the best new retail talent. We are excited by the seven new retailers that have opened in the town as a direct result of the competition and by the new stores that have opened in the Centre, as Newmarket continues to lead the field in encouraging entrepreneurial talent.”