One of Bedford’s best-loved shops will be closing its doors for the final time next month, as Boutique Planet ceases trading after more than three decades in Bedford town centre.
Owners Jo Lawday and Nick Walker, who have run the womenswear store for the last 14 years, say they are both looking forward to new challenges and that, as their lease on the shop was coming to an end, the time felt right for them to do something different.
“We wanted to leave on a high,” Jo told the Bedford Independent.
“Although we’ll miss our customers, it’s the right time for us to say goodbye and move on to pastures new.”
The closing down sale is now in full swing, with their final hurrah on Saturday, 18 April, when customers will be treated to a glass of fizz as Jo and Nick bid farewell to the Arcade.
Jo says there have been some amazing highs over the last 14 years, and cites their community of customers as one of the best things about running an independent business in Bedford.
“We’re so proud to be part of the Bedford Indies community,” said Nick.
“We wish our neighbours and the new owners of The Arcade all the luck in the world. We’ve loved being here.”
Read: Landlord puts Bedford’s Old Arcade on the market
It’s been no mean feat running an independent shop over the last few years, and Nick and Jo have had recessions, a global pandemic, the nationwide decline in footfall and the general negativity of social media to contend with.
But they both believe that Bedford has huge potential and that the future for the town centre is bright.
“There is definitely space for a women’s clothes shop – we’ve proved that – so hopefully someone will fill that gap in the market,” said Jo.
From now until Saturday, 18 April, shoppers can take advantage of up to 80% discounts on clothes, jewellery, accessories, footwear and cards, and everything must go by the final day.
“We look forward to seeing customers old and new,” said Jo.
“Come in, grab a bargain, pet the dog (Ivy will be very sad to be leaving) and come and say goodbye. It’ll be a day of mixed emotions, but the time is right for us both.”
