Dear Friends and Customers, Since starting the Atkinsons monthly newsletter, I’ve tried to keep to a simple formula: sharing a little of what’s happening in both Christine’s and my business and personal lives, with a few lighter-hearted stories from the world of retail along the way. Of course, the newsletter is also an opportunity to remind you what makes Atkinsons so special. We’re proud to be a large, independent department store in the heart of Sheffield, with a 400-space car park, 40 different departments including three excellent eateries. After 154 years of trading, we’re still very much a family business, run by the fourth generation. However, this month’s newsletter is a little different because we really need to make you aware and ask for your support. Back in August, we were surprised to learn that a new cycle lane was to be introduced along Charter Row, which runs behind Atkinsons and provides the main entrance to our car park. It also serves Sainsbury’s service yard and many of the businesses on this side of The Moor. At around the same time, plans were announced for a bus gate on Furnival Gate, near the former Debenhams building. This has meant that much of the traffic coming from the east of the city is now diverted onto Eyre Street. Understandably, we were concerned about the impact these changes would have on access to The Moor and the businesses that rely on customers being able to reach us easily. Unfortunately, despite an initial meeting with council officials, we felt that our concerns had not been fully addressed, and work began just days after. When the roadworks started in early September, large sections of the road were taken up with barriers, bollards, fencing, and lots of signage. At times traffic was at a standstill with only four cars passing through the lights at a time, resulting in long queues and considerable delays. We did ask whether the work could be carried out one section at a time to help minimise the disruption, but we were advised that this would put the project’s funding at risk. The disruption has affected everyone using this part of the city, and businesses across the area have felt the consequences. For Atkinsons, the impact on our car park and store has been particularly difficult, with trading suffering during what should have been some very busy weeks. We have always done our best to adapt to the many challenges facing independent retailers, while continuing to meet the rising costs of running a business. It is particularly frustrating when circumstances beyond our control make it harder for customers to reach us. That said, we would like to acknowledge that we have also spoken to some very helpful people at the local authority who have listened to our concerns and tried to improve the situation. Most importantly, we are OPEN and it’s business as usual! We know that some of you may have been put off visiting us over the past few weeks, and for that, we are genuinely sorry. We understand how frustrating the roadworks and traffic delays have been, and we really appreciate your patience and understanding. As an independent, family-run department store, we believe that shopping should be more than simply buying something. It’s about friendly faces, helpful advice, personal service and, of course, the occasional chat along the way! We are incredibly proud of our team and the service they provide, and we want you to continue enjoying everything Atkinsons has to offer. Your support really does make a difference to us and to the many people who work here. Every visit, every purchase and every friendly word of encouragement helps us continue doing what we have loved doing for 154 years. So, if you haven’t been in for a while, we hope you’ll pop in soon. We’ll be delighted to see you! With our very best wishes and sincere thanks for your continued support, Nicholas and Christine Atkinson --- PS. A little Christmas news for our Loyalty Card holders! 🎄 It’s been lovely to hear from so many of you who have been collecting your loyalty card points and are looking forward to spending them with us in the run-up to Christmas. Christmas shopping seems to start earlier every year, and we’re already getting into the festive spirit here at Atkinsons. Our store windows are being dressed in our new Christmas theme, the shelves are filling up with some wonderful gift ideas, and there’s plenty to get you feeling Christmassy. We will also be starting Christmas dinners in the restaurant from the 2nd November, so get yours booked in now and enjoy a festive feast with your family this Christmas. Our much-loved penguins and reindeers will be back, and for all the Jellycat fans out there, we have new deliveries waiting to be discovered.
