Independent shop overwhelmed by response to high street opening

A new high street store in Suffolk has ‘exceeded all expectations’ in its first three months of trading.

Norwich-based jewellery and gifting brand Lisa Angel have opened the new store in Southwold – making it their third high street venture and the first in Suffolk.

The Southwold shop offers a mix of tasteful accessories, homeware and gifts that have already established a loyal following in the company’s home county of Norfolk.

Founder Lisa Angel says, “The popularity of our Southwold store has exceeded our expectations. We worked hard to ensure we were open for the peak summer holiday period, and this effort from the team really paid off when we saw a busy store every day.

“It has continued to be popular long after the peak season has ended, and it’s great to see how well the shop has resonated with customers from all walks of life. We’re delighted to be a permanent part of Southwold’s beautiful high street and we’re so grateful to have been welcomed with such warmth and support from the community.

“Celebrating our Southwold success in the same year we celebrate our 20th anniversary has been so gratifying. I’m endlessly proud of the Lisa Angel team and the journey of the business so far and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.”

It’s well-publicised that the UK high street has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with numerous factors such as the pandemic and online shopping playing pivotal roles in the closure of numerous outlets.

Many larger brands continue to close their physical locations, choosing instead to focus on their digital presence.

However, Lisa Angel’s managing director James Moody emphasises the importance of expanding the brand’s bricks-and-mortar footprint for sustained growth.

“Opening our third high street store is a significant milestone for Lisa Angel,” he explains.

“This expansion reflects a broader trend where independent retailers are breathing new life into the high street, filling the gaps left by larger chains and creating vibrant, local shopping experiences.”

Lisa Angel began in 2004 when founder Lisa started making and selling jewellery from her Norfolk home.

Her business has since grown from a small table at craft fairs and shopping centre food halls to a collection of retail stores, a popular international website catering for tens of thousands of customers, and an expanding wholesale trade. Lisa Angel also holds Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Status.

Her first store opened in the Norwich Lanes in 2011, followed by a second in Chantry Place in 2018.

The latest store opening also coincided with Lisa Angel’s 20th anniversary in September.

Lisa says, “Southwold has been a town close to my heart ever since our family first visited in 2004 and we named it ‘our magical seaside town’.

We still visit at every opportunity, and I’ve realised since starting this project and talking to many people that we’re not the only ones who feel this way. It’s no secret that it’s a very special place.”

Lisa Angel stocks trend-led, handmade, and personalised products, as well as in-house dried flower brand The Norfolk Flower Room.

Sustainability is high on its business agenda, along with close collaboration with other local, independent, and female-founded businesses to help reinvigorate the high street.

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