Worksop: Shopkeepers opening new business insist ‘it’s not all doom and gloom’

But Scott and Michelle Cardwell are ‘optimistic’ that their new store will be a great success.

The couple, who live in Worksop, have been selling incense, candles, fragrance oils and other ‘spiritual and new age’ themed goods on a stall in Worksop market since July 2012 but dreamed of owning a shop.

They finally achieved their goal in February and bought an outlet on 5 Ryton Street, before opening ‘Inner Realms’ on Saturday 29th March.

Michelle said: “We have had some great feedback already.”

“We are aware that other shops have been closing down, and people seem to blame the internet for the downturn in high street shopping.”

“But I am feeling confident as I found our market stall to be a lot more successful than our website- which has made very few sales since we set up last July.”

“It’s not all doom and gloom- there are new businesses coming to town.”

Scott Cardwell, who constructed the fittings inside the shop from scratch, said that he ‘couldn’t help but feel very concerned’ about the future of Inner Realms due to two local businesses closing.

Heart to Heart, a photography studio with integrated Thornton’s on Bridge Street, is closing due to escalating costs combined with falling revenue.

Model Base, a specialist model shop on Gateford Road, also closed it doors after 22 years of trade due to lack of footfall and fierce competition from the internet.

“Of course I worry sometimes- who wouldn’t?” said Scott, “But I am optimistic that we can pull this off, as we already have customers travelling from far and wide to buy our products.”

“We have plans to expand the shop already, with a clothing range arriving soon.”

“Our stall at the Market will remain open and in the future we hope to open more shops across the region,” he added.

Visitors who check-in to Inner Realms on Facebook will receive a 10 percent discount off any purchase.

Call 01909 483103 for details.