Tag Archives: Gracechurch Centre

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Suttonians urged to back business

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Gracehurch Centre safe say bosses as shops get ready to open

With the imminent reopening of non-essential retail, The Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield has worked hard to ensure visitors and staff feel safe ahead of their much anticipated and welcomed return to the centre.

The majority of stores at The Gracechurch Centre which were deemed non-essential during the last Covid-19 lockdown will be able to re-open from Monday 12th April following the latest easing of Government restrictions. 

To help support retailers, the Gracechurch Centre is encouraging residents of Sutton Coldfield to shop local and support their local businesses as they look to recover from impact of the pandemic. The team will be promoting offers and events throughout the next few months via its social media channels.

This will include the redressing of the centre to fit the ‘spring in bloom’ theme and welcoming back live music in Bishops Court at the weekend. Shoppers will also be able to take advantage of The Gracechurch Centre’s Concierge Crew, who will be ready to welcome back visitors and help guide them round the centre next week.

Angela Henderson Centre Manager of The Gracechurch Centre said: “We can’t wait for the return of customers to The Gracechurch Centre and would like to thank our fantastic team who have worked very hard to support our retailers during this challenging time. As lockdown restrictions start to ease, we urge people to shop local and visit the centre to help support their local retailers.

The Gracechurch Centre is following Government guidelines to keep staff and visitors safe, and the centre team has worked in partnership with retailers to develop detailed plans which include an enhanced cleaning regime, hand sanitiser stations posted throughout the centre, an increased customer service presence, and refreshed signage to help customers adhere to social distancing requirements.

Angela added: “A great deal of effort has gone into making The Gracechurch Centre a safe place for staff and customers. Everyone has a part to play in this, and we would ask all our customers to be respectful of others and always follow the latest Government guidelines as closely as possible when visiting the centre. We’d also like to thank those essential businesses who have supported the community throughout the lockdown.”

“We can’t wait to welcome you all back.”

To keep up to date with the latest updates and information on the opening times of retailers at The Gracechurch Centre, please visit the website or check out the social media channels. 

Business, Lifestyle, News

Sutton Coldfield’s newest store opens

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New Bert & Gert’s store showcases independent traders under one roof

Mark and Jason Wilkes and, above right, Councillor Mosson with Mark at the opening ceremony

The Mayor of Sutton Coldfield has officially opened The Gracechurch Centre’s newest store, Bert & Gert’s.

Councillor Jane Mosson unveiled the latest addition to the Royal Town earlier this month, which will showcase a collection of small independent businesses all under one roof. 

Located next to Patisserie Valerie and TSB bank in The Gracechurch Centre, customers can expect goods from a host of local producers, including Mary’s Cupcakes, Urban City Woodshop, Page2Page Book Club, Swanky J’s, Pretty Little Flowers, Oscars Pet Food, Piggin Yummy, Mandy Crafts, Unicorn Cards, M&M Lamps and SHP Pottery.

Founded by Birmingham-based brothers Mark and Jason Wilkes, Bert & Gert’s are well known for their arts and crafts markets and events across the country, and weekly market on Sutton Coldfield Parade.

The family business was named in honour of their late grandparents, Bert being their paternal grandfather and Gert being their maternal grandmother.

On speaking of the new opening, Mark and Jason said: “Our aim is to support, encourage and promote small local businesses, and we believe local businesses will have greater strength in working together.

“The products we sell include items we have designed, made or sourced ourselves. Whether handmade with love or chosen with great care, shopping with Bert & Gert’s will always be a different and unique experience.

“As well as our store, we also hold regular markets in Sutton Coldfield and are proud to be a long-standing part of the fantastic retail offering in the town centre. The people of Sutton Coldfield are passionate about quality products handmade with love and supporting local independents, and we look forward to welcoming them to the store soon,” they added.

Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID manager, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Bert & Gert’s to the Gracechurch Centre with the opening of their new bricks and mortar store.

“Their regular markets on the Parade are a hugely popular fixture on the town centre’s calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from the surrounding areas throughout the year. 

“The shop’s concept is a brilliant way of providing a permanent platform for a wide variety of independent businesses and further showcase the fantastic range of local traders Bert & Gert’s work with.”

Angela Henderson, Centre Manager at The Gracechurch Centre, said: “Bert and Gert’s has been a real local success story in recent times and we look forward to seeing them continue to flourish at the Gracechurch Centre. Their artisan craft ethos will nicely complement our existing line-up of national and independent retailers, offering something new for the people of Sutton Coldfield.” 

Bert & Gert’s store is open from 10am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am until 5pm on Saturdays.

The next Bert & Gert’s market will take place on Sutton Coldfield Parade on Saturday 24 October and every Saturday thereafter.

For more information visit www.bertandgerts.co.uk or www.facebook.com/bertandgertssutton