Businesses in Beeston are experiencing mixed fortunes amid the cost-of-living crisis. Some company bosses say they are doing “brilliant” whereas others are struggling.
On Beeston High Road, there are many independent or big name businesses. In recent months, Cardzone and O2 on High Road have announced their closure.
The NatWest bank on High Road will also shut in January next year. Shoppers described the upcoming closure of the bank as “a shame”.
Read more: 'Back of Nottingham city centre' where people 'want to look everywhere'
Visiting different companies in Beeston, many have different footfalls. Daniel Quinn, co-owner of JG Barbers on High Road, spoke about how business has been recently. The barbers is also a licensed bar.
Daniel said: “We’re fully booked at the moment. It’s brilliant. We have a great footfall even when students aren’t here.
“November and February are awful normally and dead but people have got into a routine of booking with us.” The barbers also has a system to send text messages as a reminder that a customer’s next haircut is due.
Daniel, who has been a barber for 16 years, added: “Generally on the first Saturday of every month we have an event just to give a bit of push where there’s street food and music.” The barbers, which also has a store in Ashby, has a team of five. The premises got its licence to serve alcohol in 2019.
Daniel said: “This was all dead space so we turned it into a bar. We have three ciders and six draughts. Customers come in and get a free drink with their appointment. We’re doing good.”
Meanwhile, the owner of Refan has said his business “needs the footfall” at the moment. The High Road store specialises in perfumes, handmade soaps and more.
Owner Dian Rakadejiev said: “It’s hard. Shops are opening and closing, there’s gaps up here. When Iceland went, that drove people from coming to me so it’s not great.
“When you come here, you can save a fortune, you can choose from hundreds of perfumes from £8.90 and you can get perfumes that smell the same as Black Opium and Chanel for a fraction of the costs they charge.” Dian added that areas not in the city centre need the footfall.
Another business owner, who didn’t want to be named as they “don’t want their customers to worry”, is also based on High Road. They said: “It’s all 50/50 at the moment which is uncertain.
"With energy bills, too, and people cutting back on what they spend at the moment, every day is different. The best thing about Beeston is that all my customers are friendly.
"I have people pop in to say 'hi' even if they don’t buy anything and that’s why I like working on the high street. I think many businesses are worried at the moment.”
READ NEXT:
Nottingham holiday club with children's wellbeing at its heart
People living off the grid in Nottingham miss out on energy support payments
Nottingham youth worker voices concern over waiting list during 'difficult' time for young people
Nottingham gym owner fears for future amid concern over high rent
Nottingham Trent University students create clothes for homeless people
