Under the expansive roof of The Phoenix Emporium is a group of more than 100 traders selling retro, hand-crafted items and collectables.
‘We felt a huge responsibility to our stallholders during this time,’ Jules told New Valley News.
“We actually closed before lockdown and stopped charging rent as the right thing to do. It has been a long journey for all us to get back to normality and Government aid during this time has been a real lifeline.”
“We were planning for the worst, and somehow, on June 15, we opened the doors and everything seemed almost normal.”
Jules admits there could be a long haul ahead. “Each stallholder has their own story and we want to help as many of them to stay on as possible. I think the patterns of people shopping could change over the coming months, so Chrissie and I decided on a 25% discount on the rent for the next four months for the traders sticking with us the other side of lockdown.
“We have lost a few people, but the great news is that the phone has already been ringing with new pitch enquires. During lockdown some people have decided to change their work patterns and start their own new businesses.”
The week before opening, Jules, Chrissie and director Ryan were preparing the emporium. “We scrubbed the place clean and put floor markers down so people know to keep their distance. We want to encourage people to come back and feel safe to still pick things up as it is important to be able to browse. So we insist on the sanitiser being used at the door.
“We have additional sanitiser points around the Emporium and all shopping baskets are cleaned after each use. It was very exciting the day of opening. One of our first customers as the doors opened was a couple for whom it was their first trip out in 2 months.
“It meant a lot they that came to us! People are respecting the distance rule, chatting and somehow there is a sense of relief – let’s hope it lasts.”
Jules and Chrissie have a good relationship with their staff. “The staff were furloughed but they still wanted to help. Obviously, they were not allowed to, but we appreciated their support. We have kept in touch with them over the months to check they were OK, as it is strange to suddenly be at home not working.”
Everyone was apparently pleased to be back, and with the collective enthusiasm the future looks good for The Phoenix Emporium.
If interested in having a pitch at the emporium, call Jules or Chrissie on 01722 330589.
The Phoenix Emporium, 115 Tollgate Road, Salisbury SP1 2JG