A much-loved family-run shop on Bedford High Street is urging customers to give their full support when they reopen after renovation work.
All Ears has been part of the fabric of Bedford High Street for 51 years but for the next four months, it will be shut during work as part of the government-funded High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project.
Alongside 113 High Street (Salvation Army), number 90 (the Medic Centre) and the Goldings building, All Ears’ facade is being returned to its original glory through the government-funded project overseen by Historic England and supported by the council, Bedford BID and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
Architect’s drawings show how some of the other buildings will look upon completion, while works on Sundaes and Blue Monk have already been completed.
The Bedford Independent wasn’t able to obtain drawings of the All Ears’ renovation, but we understand that as well as aesthetic and structural improvements, the entrance will be more accessible with the addition of a ramp.
The shop, which initially just sold earrings (hence the name), sells ethnic and alternative clothes, incense, Fairtrade products, jewellery, crystals, accessories and homewares and has been run for the last five years by manager, Tracey.
“It’s a massive privilege to run the shop on behalf of the owner’s family,” Tracey told the Bedford Independent.
“I get to meet the most beautiful people and they share their stories with me. I get to see the day-to-day life of the High Street and we’re part of people’s daily routine.”
In preparation for the closure, Tracey had only one week to pack the shop up.
“I would really like to apologise to the loyal customers of All Ears for the short notice,” she said.
“But their kindness over the last few days has been incredible. It’s brought me to my knees.”
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “The decision to temporarily close All Ears is part of an agreement between the landlord and the tenant and does not involve Bedford Borough Council”
It confirmed other businesses have remained open while going through the HSHAZ scheme.
Despite the immediate shock of having to pack up the shop so quickly, Tracey says she’s looking forward to the opportunity to modernise the shop’s layout and “move stuff about”.
And she’s counting on the support of customers, old and new, to get back behind the shop when it reopens.
“I felt like a rug had been pulled out from under me,” said Tracey.
“But I”m looking forward to seeing the new shop front, getting back open in May or June and welcoming customers back through our doors.”
The Bedford Independent will be sharing updates on the renovation and the date of the shop’s reopening. We’re certain that Bedford will be all ears for the news.
The Bedford Independent contacted Bedford BID to ask if they were offering support to levy-paying businesses unable to trade during HSHAZ works, but they declined to comment and directed us to Bedford Borough Council.
