The news gets better and better for Uckfield shoppers
These are good times for shoppers in Uckfield.
An independent greengrocer opens in town today, there's growing interest in Market Hall units at Bell Walk and Waitrose is to invest millions of pounds when it takes over the the Co-op store providing an additional 50 jobs and opening in August.
James Hartfield, of the new Hartfields Produce Store, which is set back from the High Street between Uckfield Electrics and the Post Office, will be going to market every morning to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for his customers.
He is sourcing other treats too - many of them locally - in the form of cheeses and chutneys, olives and antipasti and handmade artisan breads. See also Independent Grocer opens in Uckfield.
All change at the Market Hall
It’s all change at the Market Hall in Uckfield. Sew n Sew and Haberdashery has moved into bigger accommodation there and more businesses are expected to move into other empty units.
Trevor Brown, of Sew and Sew, said he was pleased that a book seller was taking over the unit his business was vacating and he had heard vintage clothing might be sold in another part of the market hall while modern clothing might go into another unit.
News of a revived interest in the Market Hall was welcomed at A Taste of Birdineye, an offshoot of the Birdineye Farm shop in Framfield Road, which moved in earlier this year.
Sally Bland, who works there, said it would be good to see the area regenerated.
Fresh local asparagus is now on sale at A Taste of Birdineye and Sally said: “We have everything you need for the barbecue and homemade quiches are now available too."
George Moss jewellers to get new look
At jewellers George Moss managing director Robert Suckling was delighted to hear that Waitrose is taking over the Co-op store.
News of the takeover comes just as his shop is to have new signage so he is pleased with the timing. The inside of the jewellers has been refurbished and now the shop front is to be renewed.
A valuation day is being held at George Moss on June 10. A valuer from the Guild of Valuers will be available, on appointment and for a nominal charge, to give a full photographic valuation of jewellery. This will include weighing and grading each stone.
One shadow is closure of Chameleon
There is one shadow over the High Street and that is the closure of Chameleon, the fashion shop.
Wet suits and body boards at PipeDreams
But elsewhere the transition from winter to summer is now complete at PipeDreams with bikinis and board shorts, flip flops, sun hats and sun glasses taking the place of ski wear.
There are wet suits and body boards and the scooter craze is in full swing with sales having overtaken those of skateboards.
Swimwear at Limelight
Check out Limelight for swim wear too. There’s a new range of Speedo for girls and boys as well as ladies, and there are swim toys such as diving games, arm bands and goggles.
If you would like a float suit for your toddler then Limelight has some in stock. Swim shoes are in a half price sale there too.
Owner Jenny Baker said: “We also have lovely casual jackets, linen shorts and trousers and cotton tops ideal for spring and summer holidays and our sports bags are useful for carrying luggage."
All Sorts customers feed the birds
Bird seed and nuts are selling well at All Sorts.
Manager Clarissa Linnitt said people were still being encouraged to feed the birds because the ground was so dry that they were unable to forage for worms and insects.
At the other end of the scale fake tattoos are proving popular and post cards are on prominent display now that people have started thinking about holidays.
New range of handbags at Kandey
A new range of handbags has arrived at Kandey. Owner Jenny Brook is delighted with the Claudia Canova bags saying they are right on trend yet quite classic.
They come in a range of colours and styles and are designer inspired.
“We also have the purses coming and new mobile phone pouches,” said Jenny.
Summer clothes are still selling well and tights are on offer at half price.
Bargains at Noble Wines
At Noble Wines bargains include St Helier pear cider at £10 for a case of 12, Chateau Trimbray Chablis reduced from £12.99 to £9.99 and there is plenty of beer to choose from.
Most popular is Kronenbourg 1664 which is £4 for four large cans.
Wedding season at The Flower Shop
The wedding season is in full swing at The Flower Shop with great demand for pale pink and cream in bouquets.
Peonies are popular too and Lisa Hepburn is pleased to see these English flowers being selected by brides.
If you call in at The Flower Shop you might like to sniff sweet-smelling WoodWick candles. The wicks are made of wood and crackle as they burn. “They smell scrumptious,” said Lisa.
Pamper yourself at Ego
Thinking of weddings, one place to consider for a little pampering before the big day is Ego where hairdressing and beauty therapy go hand in hand.
The salon at 83 High Street, not far from Church Street, is currently offering half price courses of sun tanning sessions. They also work with local hotels by styling hair for weddings and also offer manicures, pedicures, waxing and facials.
Jay Newlands, who runs Ego with his wife Stacey, is pictured here with the salon Sunstream machine.
The salon takes safety seriously. Medical forms are completed and customers are advised about settings to suit their own skin before they start tanning sessions.
Special offers at SpecSavers
At SpecSavers, the opticians are still offering buy one pair of glasses get one free and the free pair can be sunglasses.
Another offer is that if you buy one pair of glasses costing more than £69 you can have a free pair, or £49 off varifocals.
Hearing tests are conducted at the shop on Wednesdays and Sunday opening – from 10am to 3pm – is proving popular. SpecSavers is also opening on Bank Holidays now.
Lawn feed sells well at The Bargain Store
At The Bargain Store a computer which helps children learn Spanish has been selling well.
“We’ve sold eight very quickly and only have four left,” said Chris Sharp.
Garden products are also in stock with lawn feed and tomato feed doing particularly well.
Harry Potter fever at Co-op Travel
Looking ahead to next month Co-op Travel will be making the most of the release of the final Harry Potter film on Friday, July 15. They are planning a Harry Potter themed weekend to promote trips offered by Virgin to a a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter which has opened at the Universal Studios.
Time for a cuppa
When it's time to take a break from your shopping you could call in at the Courtyard Coffee Shop where hot lunches and salads are available now, or at the newly refurbished Ryan's of Uckfield or at Chilli Peppers who this month moved to the Hop Barn.
(Added to site Wednesday, June 1st, 2011)
