Portishead - a shopping destination

29 November 2009

AS MORE shops open in Portishead, traders say they believe the town is now a shopping destination in its own right from which the whole town will benefit.

With big names like New Look and Peacocks recently added to the shops already well established in the town and a fine selection of cafes, bars and restaurants, the town is fast becoming a magnet for shoppers from across North Somerset.

In addition, significant roadworks on the M5 can make getting to out of town shopping centres a nightmare, giving people another reason to shop locally.

Portishead couple Fenella Harper and Alastair Pride have launched their new gift shop 7dials, in the town in time for Christmas shopping.

The new home and lifestyle store is situated between Waitrose and Evolve Dentistry selling design-led products that make ideal gifts.

Fenella, aged 33, said: "We want to bring styles and brands to Portishead previously only found further afield."

Alastair, aged 36, added: ""With so many new stores opening in the town we are really positive that residents will feel there is diversity and something to suit everyone's taste right on their doorstep."

Glad Rags at 42 High Street is another shop that has opened this month. It sells high fashion clothes and accessories for ladies at discount prices.

Sue Rumbelow, who moved to the town earlier in the year, was so keen to join the shopping trends that she has closed her boutique in Clifton and moved it to Portishead.

Sue said: "I moved here earlier in the year and absolutely love the place.

"The people are super and so supportive that I thought, not only do I want to live here but I want to move my business here too and serve this community.