Church Street Changes

If you’ve walked along Church Street in Ruddington during the last few days you may have already spotted a couple of brand new traders? Unfortunately we have sad news that one of our existing shops there is shutting – but we can also reveal that another business which will be unique in Ruddington is already lined up to replace it!*

{*Please see the update below.}

Some GOOD news first …

… 9, Church Street is now home to ‘Ruby Rae’ – a Ladies’ Boutique selling clothes and gifts. Actually the temporary sign doesn’t quite tell the full story as some of Amanda Gardiner’s ‘Home Interiors and Gifts’ shop selection is still there – but now complemented by new top label ladies’ clothing courtesy of Paula Kershaw. Paula has worked in retail for over ten years and was formerly part of ‘Signature’ in West Bridgford, which closed last month. So she jumped at the chance of coming to Ruddington.

“Amanda and I have been friends for a long, long time” explains Paula. “We’ll be refitting the shop in the next couple of weeks so there will be a different look and a lot more stock.”

“Ruddington needs something like this” says Amanda “because there’s nothing out there for the ladies. We’re still doing the gifts and the cards, too!”

Across the road at 14, Church Street ‘Urban Retreat’ opened yesterday (22nd October) in the former ‘Ward’s Home Furnishings’ shop. The interior has just had a substantial makeover to accommodate Peter Dang’s latest venture – which includes four professional manicure tables and a combined pedicure and massage chair. Having previously run a nailcare salon for four years in West Bridgford, Peter has decided to offer an even wider range of services at his new premises.

“I love Ruddington village” enthuses Peter {pictured left below with nail artist Doki Hoan}. “I’ve actually already got a lot of clients around here. We can do appointments or walk-in – whatever’s most convenient for the customers.”

The SAD news …

… is that the shop next to Peter, at 12 Church Street, is to shut this Friday. After four years in our village centre, Karen Cragg is taking ‘The Lovely little Wool Shop’ online only, to give herself the opportunity to do other things. But the workshops that have been so much part of its contribution to the community will continue elsewhere – including her Thursday night knitting group which will move to ‘Apotheka’. “Ruddington is a lovely village and everybody here has been very supportive and very kind – and I’ll still see them around!” promises Karen.

But the final item of GOOD news …

… is that Karen’s former premises won’t be empty for very long – because it’s due to be occupied by another business which will also be one of its kind in Ruddington. If all goes to plan, Wilford based ‘The Groom Inn’ will be relocating to our village to offer dog grooming, plus a dog spa and jacuzzi! After the installation of a non-slip floor and the necessary equipment, owner Heidi Swaithe and new business partner Angela Millett are hoping to welcome their first canine customers in early November.

*UPDATE 12th NOVEMBER 2018:

After an ‘Open Day’ on Saturday, Heidi and Angela officially opened their new pooch pampering emporium in Ruddington TODAY! They’re already reporting brisk trade, with a diary full of bookings from customers old and new.

“We wanted to get into the mainstream, where people are walking past, and we think Ruddington is perfect. When the shop came up we couldn’t believe our luck!” said Heidi.

Newly installed equipment at 12, Church Street includes a doggy spa jacuzzi, suitable for the larger breeds to get a bubble bath and blow-dry, plus two grooming tables, nail clipping, teeth cleaning services and more.

Now that Heidi’s long time friend Angela is involved in the business, The Groom Inn can cope with twice as many canine customers than before. “Together we make a great team – as we’re both dog obsessed” admitted Angela. “You’ve just GOT to have a dog in your life!”