St Ives, a market town in Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, has bucked the national trend of high street decline by sustaining about 50 independent traders with no empty shops in sight. The town, set along the River Great Ouse, offers a picturesque setting comparable to its Cornish namesake, attracting visitors from Cambridge and even the United States.
Independent Retail Thrives Amidst Challenges
Roger Lill, a 75-year-old businessman who has lived in St Ives for 42 years, described it as "an amazing place to live" and "a lovely, unique market town." He noted that the town's independent shops survive thanks to high property prices that keep businesses in the centre, though online competition remains a threat. "The only way the shops can survive is more people coming into the town," he said.
Victoria Giles, 46, moved her lifestyle store Adorn from nearby Ramsey to St Ives' Market Hill 17 months ago. She highlighted the town's appeal: "It's just a lovely town. You get tourists coming from Cambridge. We get a lot of Americans coming in as well." The river is the main attraction, she said, adding that shop owners support each other and work to improve the town.
Footfall and Market Decline Post-Covid
Despite the vibrant independent scene, challenges remain. Geoffrey Frear, 58, owner of Terry's Heel Bar, noted that footfall is "down 200 a week" since Covid and lamented the decline of the once-thriving market. "When I was a lad, the market was the best day of the week," he said. "With the whole lockdown thing, people got used to working from home. That affected things greatly."
Richard Annis, 58, owner of R&M Carpets and Interiors, pointed to the closure of Lloyds Bank as a major blow. "The worst thing that ever happened was when Lloyds closed, and we lost the bank. It used to be a hub for the villages," he said. He also criticized parking charges, which cost £1.60 for up to two hours, £2 for three hours, and £2.40 for four hours in long-stay car parks, arguing that free parking would help attract shoppers.
Community and Commuter Appeal
Paul Smith, who runs menswear store Cadge, which has been in St Ives for 50 years, said: "People don't actually realise what they've got on their own doorstep." He noted the town's amenities, good vibe, and commuter-friendly location within an hour of London. "A lot of restaurants are opening up. It could do with a few more independent shops, but the economy doesn't support them so much," he added.
Residents praise the town's quality of life. Claire Koi, 50, who moved to St Ives three years ago, called it "a nice, relaxing, quiet town" with good pubs, eateries, and events. Pauline Brunning, 74, a 20-year resident, summed it up: "It has the feel of town and country." She added that most needs are met locally, reducing the need to travel elsewhere.
