The picturesque spot is home to a number of independent businesses – but how have they managed to stay afloat in today’s cost of living crisis?
This year, the UK has seen an alarming rate of shop closures, with an average of 38 stores shutting their doors each day.
From January to June alone, a staggering total of 6,945 shops have closed, as reported by accounting firm PwC. The cost of living crisis has hit banks, clothing retailers, independent businesses and restaurants hard, compounded by a shift in consumer habits towards online shopping for its convenience and often, cheaper prices.
However, there are those who believe in the importance of preserving our high streets and supporting local businesses. This sentiment is reflected in the popularity of certain areas, such as the village of Tarleton in West Lancashire.
Here, bustling streets and thriving independent shops on the high street are not an uncommon sight – a refreshing change in today’s digital age.
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Tarleton, whose name originates from the Old Norse Tharaldr meaning ‘farmstead’ or ‘enclosure’, was first documented as Tharilton in 1246. Over the centuries, it has established its historical and social significance, reports Lancs Live.
One notable incident occurred in the 19th Century when a local resident discovered a small box containing around 100 silver coins, believed to be from the 17th Century.
The village is also home to 18 listed buildings, including residences, farmhouses, St Mary’s Church and a Grade II-listed bridge. While these landmarks contribute to Tarleton’s rich heritage, nothing is quite as vital as the people who call this village home.
Cheryl Courtney, who previously ran a successful interior design business for 17 years in Scotland, has come back to her roots in Tarleton and brought style to the village by opening Cheryl Owen Interiors at The Old Dairy, The Boskins, nestled in the heart of the Plox Brow Conservation Area. As a champion for community spirit, Cheryl contributes by beautifying the area with flower planting and supporting Tarleton’s esteemed image.
Talking about the close-knit community feel and the abundance of independent retailers in the vicinity, Cheryl gushed: “You can come for the day – you’ve got The Courtyard, The Boskins and places you can go for coffee. All the business owners are lovely and we all work together.”
With her hands-on approach, Cheryl shared her efforts to spruce up the place: “Since I’ve been here, I’ve just been trying to put flowers out the back and just trying to make it look nice” highlighting the importance of her shop’s ambiance which not only looks welcoming from outside but also creates an antidote to the impersonal nature of online retail.
The devoted businesswoman and mother stresses the importance of physical retail experience: “I’m not one for internet shopping and with my business as well, people love to come in and see and feel the fabrics. Getting out and chatting to people as well.”
Cheryl cherishes face-to-face interactions, adding: “We get clients coming in just for a coffee and to see me. Just 10 minutes, how you doing? It’s that kind of village life that you want.”
She remembers it as a close-knit farming community where “everyone knows everyone”. However, she has noticed a more diverse mix of residents since her return.
Stuart Johnson, a long-time resident and owner of S&A Johnson Butchers on Church Road, has been part of the community since his grandfather established the shop in Tarleton in 2003. The family also owns a nearby farm where they raise their own cattle, a local and independent aspect that is important to both the butchers and the wider community.
Stuart told LancsLive: “You’ve got loads of different shops, restaurants, the library. We’re on the bus route as well, to Preston and to Southport which is good as well for commuting.”
Stuart notes that the village is “getting built up now”, especially when compared to how Tarleton was during his childhood.
He mentions that there are three primary schools in the area and more houses, but this increase in population is beneficial for local businesses.. He said: “Everyone moans about Hesketh Lane, there’s only one road out especially if you’re going to Southport.
“I live on Hesketh Lane and come to seven o’clock at night, it’s like a ghost town, there’s no traffic. It’s like any village, you go in at school time, they’re all busy.”
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