The glorious 12th – Love local and support our shops and businesses as they reopen

Marlborough’s independent traders can’t wait to welcome customers back when shops reopen on Monday 12 April. Most have been offering click and collect during lockdown but of course nothing can replace the face-to-face contact with customers.

Janice Pattison in Ducklings Toy Shop, which is brim full of lots of new stock and every child’s dream, told Marlborough.news, “We’re really looking forward to seeing the happy smiley faces of the children; we’ve missed them. We have changed things around inside – there’s lots of new stock and lots to see.  During lockdown many children’s fingerprints and nose prints could be seen all around the shop windows as they peered in.”  Ducklings will be open every day 9 am to 5.30pm except Sunday, 10-4pm.

 At Beauty Full Time, Megan Bromley says, “I am obviously very excited to reopen. We have a new Australian brand Om She Aromatherapy. This is Cruelty free and some are Vegan (not all). We have body washes, hand cream, coffee body scrubs, skincare, body butter, shampoos and conditioners. There are some nice Clinique products in skincare and some makeup, also some Jo Malone Body Creams, but these are going fast.

We have learned to adapt, pivot, update and ultimately change how we run Beauty Full Time. However, I will always favour my role of working in my shop, with customers flowing in and out, talking, laughing, helping and generally having the time of my life. My job isn’t just a job to me, it’s my whole life and I cannot wait until I have it back, as there is still a huge hole that needs filling. Thank you for all of the support you have given us. See you on the 12th April, I literally CANNOT WAIT!”

D&R Furnishers in The Parade are holding an Opening Sale and all stock items are reduced. They are returning to their pre-lockdown opening hours of 8.15 to 5pm Monday to Friday. Annabel at D&R said, “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers back. We are still operating a measuring service for curtains and blinds with home visits.”

Sumblers Brother’s Butchers on London Road has been open throughout lockdown on reduced hours and has offered a free delivery service. The free delivery service will continue but opening hours are being extended as follows: Monday and Tuesday 8-3pm, Wednesday 8-1.30pm, Thursday and Friday 8-4pm, Saturday 8-1pm. Phone 01672-512185 or 519228 for free deliveries.

Marlborough’s Mayor, Cllr. Mark Cooper, writing in his blog echoes what I’m sure we all feel, “Hopefully there is some real light at the end of the tunnel as we are now on the pathway to restrictions being eased and there are things to look forward to, the reopening of our amazing High Street, a new cinema and coach friendly status for the town.”