New shops open across the island

Thursday 26 May 2022

The Guernsey Retail Group is hailing the opening of several new shops in Town and elsewhere in the island.

It said Guernsey was bucking the trend in seeing new additions to the local shopping experience.

The Group promoted the retail developments as being good for jobs, the economy and "vibrancy in our community".

Some of these shops include Mazzouk in Le Pollet selling accessories, gifts and clothing and The Pickle Pad baby boutique in Smith Street.

Sole Mates has relocated to the Commercial Arcade and continues to measure and fit shoes for children. Snack Time, a convenience store offering a wide range of international snacks, is now also in the Arcade. Jeweller Mappin & Webb is expanding into a neighbouring unit in the Arcade.

Pictured: The Commercial Arcade has seen a shake up in the retail stores trading there.

Beghins shoe shop is due to open in Le Pollet imminently. Hope Store has taken over the former premises of Beghins on the High Street and is selling ethical homeware. 

Merci Antiques also plans to open in the Arcade soon, offering a range of quirky antiques and collectables. 

Outside of town, Che Zoe – a woman’s clothing shop – has opened at the Bakery Complex at L’Islet. On The Bridge, Mysa and Sprinkle of Magic have begun offering children’s party packages.

Pictured: There are new consumer offerings available in Le Pollet.

Korinne Le Page, Head of Retail Development at the Guernsey Retail Group, said it is encouraging to see more independent shops opening and offering new products and services to the island.

"When it comes to Town, people come to browse and see something different and I have been surprised to see how much is available locally that I didn’t think was here," she said.

"During two lockdowns, I missed being able to browse in the shops and I know a lot of people couldn’t wait to get back to normal too.

"We must support our local shops. They have survived two lockdowns and are still there for us. Now we have new shops that have opened and new ones opening. This is a sure sign that our local retail offering is on the rise."

The Guernsey Retail Group is a non-profit organisation that provides a voice for retail across the island and looks for ways to improve the offering for the community.