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The Cambridge retailers who opened days ahead of new lockdown




The opening of Raft Market on Sidney Street in Cambridge, from left are co-founders Tom Holmes and Hadley Butler. On the staircase from top are Tom Burkitt from Amadeus; Izzy Perry, sales assistant; Tom Arnold from Town and Gown Cafe and Jess Lovatt, sales assistant. Picture: Keith Heppell
The opening of Raft Market on Sidney Street in Cambridge, from left are co-founders Tom Holmes and Hadley Butler. On the staircase from top are Tom Burkitt from Amadeus; Izzy Perry, sales assistant; Tom Arnold from Town and Gown Cafe and Jess Lovatt, sales assistant. Picture: Keith Heppell

For two independent retailers in Cambridge, the second lockdown was particularly bad timing - it began just days after they opened their doors for the very first time.

Raft Market held a soft opening on Friday (October 30) at its Sidney Street premises, which houses 10 pop-up retailers , including Cambridge Bee, Rhimani, Pink Cactus and Kickstart Coffee.

The new-model pop-up was co-founded by two local 19-year-olds, Hadley Butler – a film maker and founder of Be Retro – and Tom Holme, founder of Tom’s Trunks: the launch of the seven-day-a-week retail hub was deemed a huge success.

But on Monday, the headlines announced the impending national ‘circuit breaker’, which meant the doors had to close on Thursday (November 5).

“I am afraid that Raft Market will be closing during the lockdown period,” said Hadley. “However, we are looking at the positive side, using this time to improve all areas of the store, where we were unable to before. Our only hope is that it is no longer than four weeks, but we can only pray!”

Meanwhile Mabel Fox, on Green Street, opened for the first time on Sunday, shortly before the Prime Minister announced the imminent second lockdown . Fortunately, the interior design, art and gifts retailer was immediately able to adapt its model.

The exterior of Raft Market on Sidney Street. Picture: Keith Heppell
The exterior of Raft Market on Sidney Street. Picture: Keith Heppell

Owner Katie Farrell launched the business for Cambridge’s interior designers in 2016.

“It started as just an Etsy -based business,” she explains. “My sister Rachel and I run an interior design service, and Sarah, Poppy and Emily have joined the team on the retail side.”

Now it is renting premises from owner Trinity College.

“The majority of the stock is cushions, coasters, tea towels, blankets and rugs. Prices start with scented candles at £7.50, handmade by Lys, a Cambridge-based company run by a friend.

Mabel Fox was planning to open seven days a week in a bid to appeal to Christmas gift buyers.

“We were doing alright yesterday and today,” Katie said on Monday (November 2). “We’ll stay open while we can, and of course we have the website and people can order from us online. We’ll possibly use a local delivery company for Cambridge , and customers will be able to buy from us nationally via the website.

Founder Katie Farrell, left, in her new shop, Mabel Fox on Green Street, with sister Rachel McGuiness. Picture: Keith Heppell
Founder Katie Farrell, left, in her new shop, Mabel Fox on Green Street, with sister Rachel McGuiness. Picture: Keith Heppell

“If allowed we’ll do a click-and-collect service – we’ll do all we can to serve people while not letting them in the shop. But the feedback has been lovely, people have come in especially to see us, so that’s been amazing. We’ll be packing the web orders from the shop – it’s just that we can’t open the door to people.”

Another start-up, OxWash, arrived in the city this summer , offering a sustainable laundry, ironing and dry-cleaning service for clothes.

“Thankfully our ‘Essential’ and ‘Critical’ statuses from the government allow us to continue to serve you safely in line with government guidelines,” said the company. “You can still order your laundry, ironing and dry cleaning to be collected, washed and delivered via our contactless procedure outlined on our website.

“We’ve launched mandatory contact-free collections and deliveries so your OxWash rider will collect and deliver with more than two metres separation at all times.

“This is to ensure that social distancing is maintained from the moment your order is picked up to the moment your order is delivered squeaky clean back to you.”

Tanya Rotor from Cambridge Bee in Raft Market. Picture: Keith Heppell
Tanya Rotor from Cambridge Bee in Raft Market. Picture: Keith Heppell

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