Three new shops that have opened in Camborne during the last year are reporting better-than-expected trade.

Synergy, Up Memory Lane and Love Goods are all independent, Camborne Original businesses which, according to their owners, did well over Christmas and look set for a successful 2019.

Rob Taft and his business partner Jamie Newton launched Synergy in Commercial Street last July.

Having previously traded for seven years in Hayle, the pair chose Camborne for their unique range of bespoke designed and printed giftware after their previous lease came up for renewal and they found themselves confronting a significant increase in costs.

“A shop became available, so we took it and are absolutely delighted we did – in fact we honestly wish we’d made the move sooner,” said Rob.

“It’s such a friendly place and we love the fact that people drop in on a daily basis. Christmas was good and two customers came in to say thank you for the gifts they’d bought because they’d proved such a hit – we’ve never had that before and it meant such a lot.

“Providing good, old-fashioned service is what we’re all about and we feel genuinely comfortable in Camborne. It’s taken us by surprise just how much we enjoy being here.”

Louise Richards owns Up Memory Lane, which specialises in home interiors and unique, highly sought-after paints. She moved her business to Camborne from Redruth last February.

“It’s been a really good year that’s seen a significant increase in turnover,” she said. “The support we get from our BID (Business Improvement District) team has helped because of the promotional support provided on their website and especially on their social media channels. That generates invaluable customer awareness.

“I think the key to retail success is diversification. We share our premises with a saddler, we do workshops and we’re always on the lookout for exciting new products that are high quality and good value. We chose Camborne because rents and rates are lower, footfall is high and parking is affordable and easy.”

Lesley Clarke opened her art gallery, Love Goods, in Trelowarren Street, on Trevithick Day in April 2018. Originally from St Ives, Lesley is a professional glass-blower who spent ten years living and working abroad before returning to Cornwall with her family.

“We chose Camborne because we wanted to be in a town that was lived in all year round, rather than being somewhere that catered predominantly for the tourist market,” she said. “The local community have been very welcoming and we’ve met some lovely people. Providing an opportunity for talented artists and craft-makers to display their work is something I’m passionate about and it’s refreshing to exhibit works that aren’t just focused on seascapes – there’s a lot more to Cornwall than that.

“I’m convinced that local businesses are making Camborne great again. You only need six new shops in a town to keep people coming and that’s what’s happening.”

Chair of BID Camborne, Sharron Lipscombe-Manley, who owns and runs Delight2Bite, agreed.

“There’s a buzz here and a sense of retail optimism that bucks the national trend,” she said. “As business owners we know we can never be complacent but, by working together, listening to our customers and doing our best to make Camborne an interesting, attractive town to visit, we are making a difference.”

For more information, visit www.cambornetown.com