Romantic gestures: bespoke engagement rings and red roses
Update on Tuesday, February 8, 2011: Sussex Stationers has been sold to W H Smith.
There has been a lot of talk about the future of the Sussex Stationers over the past month but it is still unclear whether their shop in Uckfield High Street is to close.
Offers from potential buyers have been received by administrators appointed to run the business.
When posters in the Uckfield shop window advertised a closing down sale they prompted concern for the future of staff and questions were asked about whether anybody else would want to take over that space.
But Uckfield estate agent Richard Oldfield from Lawson Commercial has told Uckfield News he was confident the space would be taken, if it became available.
When Woolworth’s closed a number of people registered an interest in moving into their shop," he said. The landlord chose W.H. Smith.
Major business
“Units of that size don’t become available very often and if this one does I think we will see a major business moving into the town that will complement other retailers.”
Mr Oldfield added while shops appeared to stand empty for a long period this was not due to a lack of interest in them. There was normally a lot of activity going on behind the scenes. It could take months for contracts to be signed.
This was the case at the premises vacated by Dixon Vince in Uckfield High Street when they moved to the corner of Church Road, he said.
It had taken three months to get contracts signed but a new occupier should soon be in there.
Fresh stock
Elsewhere in town retailers are looking forward to spring with fresh stock arriving and new brands chosen to complement existing favourites.
There are preparations for Valentine’s Day too. Lots of people will be heading for florists and jewellers and among the businesses featured in Personal Shopper this month we have talked to The Flower Shop and George Moss jewellers to see what they will have on offer. Keep reading to find out.
At Kandey owner Jenny Brook said we are likely to see more maxi dresses being worn about town. They look set to be even more popular than last year.
Jenny is introducing a new brand, Kushi, which is also sold in Fenwick’s department store. The range includes maxi dresses, skirts and tops, all priced under £30.
Interest in retro
New fabric ranges are arriving at Carvills and retro is emerging as a much sought-after theme.
Sanderson have re-visited a range from the 1950s and also attracting interest are William Morris fabrics and wallpapers first introduced 150 years ago but which have a contemporary look.
Mark Arno said that on the furniture side of the business contemporary design is very strong but there also seems to be a resurgence of interest in traditional pieces.
“I am wondering whether this is because of the down turn in the economy. People are perhaps more inclined to buy things that will stand the test of time rather than being prepared to replace them in a couple of years’ time.”
Flowers
The Flower Shop is gearing up for Valentine’s Day with traditional red roses on order along with red tulips, which are increasingly popular, and white lilies.
Roses can be bought singly or in dozens hand-tied and with little extras such as cuddly bears or chocolates, said owner Lisa Hepburn, who can be seen above with some roses.
It’s also possible to order from The Flower Shop online now. Follow our link above to their website.
Cards and gift sets are available at All Sorts and flower bulbs and seeds should be arriving there this week.
Engagement rings
The ultimate in romance on Valentine’s Day is a proposal of marriage coupled with the gift of an engagement ring. Some people choose to upgrade their existing engagement rings too.
That experience can be made even more special if you have chance to pick out your own diamond and choose its setting.
Do call in at George Moss in Uckfield High Street and ask about My Design by George Moss.
All you have to do is name your budget and the journey begins.
Managing director Robert Suckling, pictured right, said that designing your own ring can work out slightly less expensive than choosing one that is already made.
He added that George Moss was also able to offer confirmation of the quality of the diamond with a certificate to show the grade of the stone.
Seeds have arrived at the Bargain Store at the bottom of Uckfield High Street and packs of six are on offer for £5. Valentine’s Day cards are on sale from 50p.
New owners have taken over Sew n Sew & Haberdashery in the Market Hall.
Trevor Brown and Lydia Prentice have been stocking up on wools and have also introduced steam irons and presses, spinning mops and the Sweepa broom.
Trevor, pictured below, said he sells goods at shows such as Ardingly and it was quite by chance that the opportunity to take over Sew ‘n’ Sew came up.
Both he and Lydia live in Uckfield and they are enjoying building up a relationship with customers who bring in examples of their handiwork.
“We like to see their work because it helps us choose the stock they need,” said Trevor.
Have you been into Tres Joli yet? This shop, next door to Chameleon, sells lingerie and much more.
Goods include gift wear, corsetry, hosiery, jewellery and men’s underwear too.
For men looking for pretty treats, as Valentine’s Day gifts, for loved ones, Kay Bevan will be pleased to help and can wrap special choices in gift boxes and adorned with ribbons and rosebuds.
At the top of Uckfield High Street it’s a busy time at Fross Wedding Collections.
New brands include Ellis Bridal, Kelsey Rose and Flirt by Maggie Sottero. Justin Alexander is coming soon.
Don’t forget to call in there if you are looking for a prom dress, new stock is arriving all the time.
“We also have a gorgeous selection of new tiaras by Halo Design and Liza Designs,” said shop owner Fross Hockley.
At Limelight there is a sale of Weird Fish goods, including lots of jackets, to make way for new stock. New gym wear brands expected during February include Pure Lime and Anniluce and new swimwear is expected in March along with new ballroom shoes.
If you are planning a meal out to celebrate Valentine's Day, the Uckfield News Uckfield Directory is a good place to start choosing a venue.
See also:
Proof of Uckfield's rich cultural life
(Added to site Monday, January 31st, 2011)
