After a year which saw both small businesses and household high street names hit hard by coronavirus restrictions, we asked Gazette readers to have their say on the shops they would like to see open nearby next.
Non-essential retail reopened on Monday, April 12 after months of closure due to Lockdown 3, with traders speaking of their delight when business resumed once more as part of the Government’s roadmap.
This date also saw outdoor hospitality reopen to customers, with indoor hospitality and entertainment following on Monday, May 17.
As we continue to look to the future, Gazette readers highlighted more “artisan”, “independent” and “specialist” shops among those they would most like to see come to South Tyneside
There was also support for The Range, Marks & Spencer – which closed its King Street store in 2014 – and a department store to open in the borough.
Other popular choices included a Primark, a record shop and additional choices for clothes – as well as new places to eat.
Prior to the April reopenings, a number of local traders across the borough were praised by readers for their service both before and during the pandemic.
Here are some of your suggestions from our Facebook page:
Arlene Smythe: “Covered shopping like the Bridges or the Galleries would be great.”
Sylvia Gibson: “Would love to see a Range-type store, decent shoe shop, wallpaper shop, decent clothes shop.”
Valerie Nichol: “Some small specialist artisan shops. A good furniture store and electric store.”
Christopher Davies: “Small, independent retailers. Think Alnwick not Northumberland Street.”
Jacqueline Sanderson: “Primark, Marks & Spencer, a department store like Fenwicks
Mark Flett: “Artisan bakery, fresh local sea food supplier, local organic fruit and veg retailer, patisserie, handmade organic burger bar ... just for starters.”
Amanda Walker: “M&S, Zara, House of Fraser.”
Maria Atkinson: "Maybe some nice local artisan businesses. Something different that would attract people. Also create a Mediterranean-style area with bistros and cafes, overlooking the river.”
Thomas Wiblin: “A good department store.”
Shirley Nevin: “Similar shops and restaurants to Tynemouth would be nice.”