FROME town centre is on the rise after a string of independent businesses opened their doors in recent weeks. Alongside them, leading national chains are looking to open soon.
Five unique independent businesses have opened in King Street and on Catherine Hill recently while three national stores – the Original Factory Shop, Costa Coffee and Subway – are also due to open in the town centre.
A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said, “Costa has secured a site in Frome and hope to be trading by mid-June.” Subway, which is opening this Friday, has taken the former Blockbuster store in the Market Place, while the Original Factory Shop will be opening in Bath Street on the 26th of March.
The discount store offers a range of discounted merchandise – ladieswear, menswear, children’s wear, sportswear, football, electricals, housewares, toys and gifts, beauty and fragrance.
Melanie Giles hairdressing, which currently has a salon in Bath, is also understood to be planning an expansion into Frome Market Place.
The news is a boost for the town centre which has seen a spate of closures in recent months. The increase in independent shops has been particularly welcomed, bringing vitality to the town and adding to Frome’s ‘unique’ feel.
Leader of the Pack, which has opened in King Street, offers a selection of casual wear for all tastes. Owner Jason Rowlson said, “From jackets and coats to hoodies, trainers and jeans, we offer a range of individual styles. We rotate our stock often, so there is always fresh items coming in.”
Holly Anna, situated on Catherine Hill, has been open since late last year and offers a bespoke art and furniture service, as well as selling art, canvasses and unique items. Owner Holly Tack said, “We sell items that will give your home a unique or individual feel such as vintage items, bespoke artwork and furniture. All of our artwork is created in-house, so they are all individual pieces.
“Our stock does change regularly and we will have a website up and running soon, so you will be able to browse all of our items on there.
“There has been a lot of positivity from customers, who have come from as far as Bath and Bristol, they really do make an effort.”
Another recent addition to Catherine Hill is Sergeants ironmongers. Owner Steve Cox said, “We stock a whole range of items including, nuts, bolts, locks, dusters, tools, nails, screws, sandpaper, string, candles and cleaning products.
“Since I have opened, the people of Frome have been so welcoming. All the traders on Catherine Hill make you feel as part of a community, where everyone has the chance to express a form of individual creativity.
“The traders are positive and optimistic – it’s great to be a part of this.”
Assembly is another shop which has recently opened on Catherine Hill offering a range of unique and unusual gifts and home ware while Black Inc is a tattoo studio which opened in King Street before Christmas.
Pictures – see page 19
