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A rural market town in England is flourishing with a wealth of independent shops and a robust sense of community, which locals believe is integral to the area's character. There are widespread concerns for high streets across the UK as businesses grapple with the convenience of online shopping and the expansion of large chains.
However, the secret to a thriving town centre and independent business scene appears to be an unspoken pact between shop owners and residents.
Ludlow, nestled amidst the picturesque Shropshire countryside, seems to have found the perfect formula. With a modest population of around 10,000, Ludlow boasts a high density of independent enterprises, ranging from a small department store to artisan shops and cafes.
As other UK high streets see a decline in such services, many in Ludlow recognise what it takes to keep these businesses thriving.
One shop owner detailed how the community supports them and how they reciprocate that support. Bodenham's, a small department store offering women's and men's clothing, gifts, accessories and more, has been serving the town for five generations, reports the Express.
Co-owner Monika Curry now manages the store alongside her husband. Monika, the owner of Bodenham's, spoke about the significance of her business to the local community and vice versa. She revealed: "We are trading in a 600-year-old building, which is quite a landmark for the town.
"We have generations coming to us. I know customers who are in their 50s coming to us, who used to come to get their own school uniforms here. Now they are coming in with their children and their grandchildren as well. Customer loyalty is a big thing.
"As independent business owners, we do give a lot back to the community. Socially, we get a lot of people coming through the door - some elderly customers who probably don't see anyone else all day. They come in for a chat. That is part of their everyday. We still have butchers and bakers. The market is also quite important. It's all part of the community. ".
Ludlow's open-air market operates in the Market Square every Monday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year, with additional Wednesday markets from April to September.
Monika believes that Ludlow's locals fully appreciate the value of independent businesses. According to 2022 estimates, there were over 70 independent shops in the town, not including independent cafes.
She stated: "From that point of view, I think that's why local people really love their independent shops in Ludlow. Obviously, the history of Ludlow, with its beautiful countryside and castle, ticks all the boxes for the tourist trade in Ludlow.
"We get day-trippers from around a 50-mile radius. That's sort of our cream on the cake for the local trade. That's why the small independent businesses are thriving here."
Whilst some families have been residents of Ludlow for generations, others are more recent additions. Among these is Steve Holder, who is on the brink of retirement following a prosperous career as a sports physiotherapist.
His affection for Ludlow began after his initial visit for a concert at the castle. Since then, he has returned numerous times and eventually decided to relocate there upon finding a quaint home.
"I'm in love with the place because of the walks, the forests, it's more peaceful," he expressed. "I loved it so much I've decided to sell up and I'm hopefully moving in September time."
He spoke about the allure of the community spirit within the town. He stated: "One of the things is community coming together to support one another. There is a lot of community activity, community shops, and different trades within the community supporting each other.
"With the decline of the high street or the town centres in the UK, I'd say Ludlow's got quite a strong marketplace and town centre. They've put in a really great market that I've been to."
He further added: "It's not too cut off. It's got good connections with the train lines. There's the opportunity to go into Wales. Visit the coast just an hour on the train."