Brighouse 'blowing national statistics out of the water' as retailers move into town

Brighouse’s business spirit shows no sign of slowing down despite lockdown and the challenges faced by retailers.
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While headlines suggest major retail stores are closing across the country, Brighouse is proving to be incredibly resilient.

While existing retailers continue to adapt, 16 brand new businesses have opened in the town over the past 12 months.

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The past year has been particularly hard on the hospitality sector, with many bars and restaurants forced to close doors for over half of the year. However, in the coming months Brighouse will be able to add a stylish new bar to its growing nightlife venues.

Ruth Stevens, owner of TRUTH and Karen James, owner of K BoutiqueRuth Stevens, owner of TRUTH and Karen James, owner of K Boutique
Ruth Stevens, owner of TRUTH and Karen James, owner of K Boutique

TRUTH will open in the town centre on May 17 if the government roadmap runs smoothly, offering a selection of seasonal food and hot and cold drinks.

Ruth Stevens, owner of TRUTH lives local to the bar, but claims it was an obvious choice to set up in Brighouse, crediting the town’s fantastic community spirit

“Brighouse really holds its own on the Calderdale map,” she said. “People come far and wide to visit our town and there has always been a sense of pride and strength from those who live here.”

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“We aim to simply nourish what already exists in the town. The people bring the atmosphere and we endeavour to enrich their experience, giving them a place to call ‘fun’.”

Fashion retail stores are planned to reopen on April 12, which is exciting news for the team at K Boutique.

Karen James, owner of K Boutique said while she has only been able to physically open for a few weeks, she has had a wonderful reception from customers.

“The support I’ve received from Brighouse has been wonderful and I can’t wait for our re-opening and a chance to meet more customers and business owners in the town.”

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“Until we opened at the back end of 2020, there was no independent menswear retailer in town, so this brings another reason for shoppers to come into the town.”

The town has welcomed new businesses across all sectors, including Hair & Beauty Corner, No Entry Fire & Security Ltd, MADE; a luxury salon academy offering a variety of training courses and a furniture shop, Designer Rooms.

The Brighouse BID actively seeks new opportunities to help the town grow and become a go to destination town for locals and visitors from the wider area.

Lesley Adams, Co-Chair of the Brighouse BID steering group comments: “We’re thrilled with the rate in which new vendors are opening in the town centre. Our small town does blow all national statistics out of the water, bucking the trends.

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"The high street may be declining nationally, but we are prospering. We put it down to the quality and variety of our businesses.

"Our independent businesses, and the big retailers, are all thriving in Brighouse being used by thousands of people each week.

“Ruth and Karen’s words about our growing, supportive community is exactly our vision for Brighouse - a vibrant, welcoming place which is open to change, new initiatives and diversity. Our businesses and community form an excellent base, and our visitors are the icing on top of the cake.”

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