The Arc tagged articles - Bedford Independent

Christmas footfall up by 18% as town centre vacancy rates remain below national average

New research has shown that the number of empty shops is reducing throughout the UK, with Bedford having fewer than the national average. In addition, shoppers are...

Bedford indies’ Christmas shopping guide 2022

It's a little-known fact that Bedford has more independent shops than Cambridge, making it the perfect place to find that unique gift for even the hardest-to-buy-for person...

Putting Bedford’s independent retailers on the map this Christmas

According to Gemma Crawley, owner of The Arc on Howard Street, it's never too early to mention the C-word, so she's kicking off Christmas... today. And she's not the...

What’s on Bedford: 29 September – 9 October 2022

Need some cultural inspiration for the next 10 days? Then look no further. We've got everything you need to make the most of what’s on our doorstep. From Fun Palaces to Bedford Flea...

Artists and amateurs encouraged to ‘Paint Bedford’ to raise money for Kempston mental health charity

How would you like to join fellow established artists and enthusiastic amateurs to paint and draw Bedford's beautiful riverside and raise money for charity? On Sunday 29 May...

Two Bedford businesses launch collaboration to save waste products from landfill

A Bedford clothing brand is collaborating with an accessories designer to divert its damaged and returned stock from landfill. Amber Reeson, the owner of Neon Marl, has teamed up with...

Everyday heroes: Awards in the time of Covid

Back in January 2020, the Bedford Independent announced the launch of our Everyday Heroes awards. The nominations poured in, the judging panel was on standby and...

Letters: If you think Bedford town centre is ’empty’, join me for a tour…

It seems that we have a serious issue, there are some people in Bedford who are having trouble counting. I keep reading comments on posts such as your 'Partial closure of High Street until November 2021 as...

Choose Love as Bedford business bucks Black Friday

One independent Bedford business is bucking the Black Friday trend this week and buying gifts, rather than selling them. Gemma Crawley-Roberts, the owner of The Arc, is partnering with...

Opinion: Shop local this Christmas to support vital independent Bedford businesses

As news of lockdown 2.0 emerged on Halloween, many of Bedford's bricks and mortar businesses were once again preparing to shut up shop, just as the busy Christmas trading season was...

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