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Along usually bustling streets, Cambridge’s independent shops have taken a hit during the pandemic.
When all shops are set to open up from April 12, we’ll find an altered streetscape as retailers big and small have sadly been forced to close.
A year of lockdowns has of course impacted businesses all over, and some of the most noticeable gaps on the high street will be big chains like Debenhams, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins.
The ongoing uncertainty over whether the Grand Arcade’s John Lewis will close is a source of anxiety for many Cambridge workers and the subject of a petition by the Labour party.
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Meanwhile, the pandemic has turbocharged the nation’s trend towards online shopping.
Royal Mail recently announced it is extending its delivery service to Sundays, in an attempt to keep up with consumer demand and retail colossus Amazon.
While the city of Cambridge has its fair share of charming boutiques, Mill Road is renowned for being chock-full of independents.
Piero D’Angelico, Ambassador of Mill Road Traders’ Association said: “I’ve been working on Mill Road for 32 years, I’ve seen all the evolution, the good days and the and the bad days, and I‘ve never been scared of the competition or this or that.
“But for the first time in my life I’m lost, I don’t know what to think anymore, honestly.”
While many businesses appear to be clinging on – buoyed by government Bounce Back loans – Mr D’Angelico suggested that could change once April 12 arrives.
Independent shops that have closed permanently
Kailash
Independent hardware store Kailash was sadly forced to shut in October, after 25 years on Mill Road.
Manager Mahesh Gohil said the controversial bridge closure was one factor in the decision.
A survey by the Mill Road Trader’s Association last year found that a remarkable 92.9 per cent of businesses on the historic road were independently run, and 95.2 per cent opposed the bridge closure.
“Mill Road is completely isolated,” Mr D’Angelo said this week, “I’m looking around and trying to picture the future when everything has changed.”
The Tailor’s Cat
The boutique bridal shop on Sussex Street has unfortunately closed, after blows to both the retail and weddings sectors.
Tailor’s Cat closed their doors permanently at the end of February, after 25 years in the industry.
A heartfelt Instagram post which announced the news in October, said: “It has been an absolute honour to have looked after literally thousands of gorgeous brides-to-be and to do our best each and every time to try and make their experience with us a memory to be treasured.”
Find independent shops to order local from near you:
Della Kaur
Della Kaur – which sells dazzling jewellery from designers and artists around the world – sadly closed last year, just before the first lockdown.
Although the shop was not lost to the pandemic (and remains trading online) the vacant spot on Magdalene Street has been a sad sight in subsequent months, particularly given its prominent location on the river.
The premises are currently ‘under offer’ however, hopefully, we’ll have another lovely indie on this colourful row soon.
Cuckoo Clothing
Delightful independent clothing shop Cuckoo has flown the nest from St Mary’s Passage, but the team are back in their Burwash Manor store in Barton.
You can browse their treasure trove of great vintage and modern prints here.
