IT is rare nowadays to find a high street that has remained vibrant and packed with shoppers.
While Thorpe Bay Broadway can’t quite be described as a high street, its popularity is clear with so many people who value its array of shops and businesses.
Shoppers love Thorpe Bay Broadway for its businesses, which put great customer service at their heart.
Whether its a visit to the bakers in the morning, getting your hair cut, a trip out to get new clothes, or topping up the weekly shop, Thorpe Bay Broadway offers shoppers all they need.
Many of the independent businesses on the Broadway have been there for many decades.
It is a rarity nowadays to be able to do most, if not all, of your weekly shopping at your local shops, but that is exactly what shoppers in Thorpe Bay can do.
One shopper who visits the Broadway on a regular basis is Susan Arnold.
“I come here each week to visit the salons and Honeycomb News and the post office. I live in Great Wakering and travel here because it has got everything I need nearby,” said Susan.
The Broadway was bustling with people when I visited on a Friday lunchtime. The greengrocers, Broadway Fruits, had a steady stream of customers and the salon Sheer Success was full of chatter and hairdryers blowing.
The cafes strewn along the Broadway, such as the Broadway Cafe, were filled with people making the most of the sunshine and the outdoor seating.
Unlike many high streets which have struggled in recent years, the businesses Broadway in Thorpe Bay seems to have tuned into what customers want, and it shows.
There are some chains such as Costa Coffee, Tesco Express and Nisa, but these are interwoven with lots of independent shops and do not dominate.
To be a successful business owner in the Broadway you need to understand what your customers want.
Lisa Godden has owned and run the hairdressers Shear Success for 21 years and the establishment has been on the Broadway for 32 years.
“We have got lovely regulars and a great team with staff here. The team have been here a long time, Julie has been here 35 years, and the newest member five years, that says something I think,” said Lisa.
David Zealey, has worked at the Broadway Fruits greengrocers for many years and took over in 2005.
The popular store has been around for 32 years and is well used by locals.
“We have lots of repeat customers, people value fresh produce daily at a reasonable price with great customer service,” said David.
There is also Sullivan’s fine cards and gifts, which has been there a long time people know it.
Sally Albon shop worker said: “It’s known for quality cards and gifts. It gives people locally more choice.”
Over at Honeycomb News, Bina Shah knows exactly what her customers want.
The newsagents opened 24 years ago, and it was 15 years ago that took over the running of the shop.
“We work hard get to know customers and offer a good amount."
The rear extension houses lots of gifts and cards.
“We have a big paper round and our customers appreciate that. Our motto is treat regulars well and they come back.”
Chris Barker started Nekta flower shop last year, before there 26 years under same name.
“It was already a well established business and we have had a really positive response from customers since taking over. We have orders for general bouquets and funerals.”
There’s always a morning rush at Home Made Bakery on Thorpe Bay Broadway.
People love the tradition of walking to the bakery to get their fresh bread, sausage rolls and pastries.
“It is a bit of a tradition here to get your baked goods early when they are fresh,” said Ann Mackie who works at the shop.
The bakery has establishments in Thorpe Bay, Eastwood and Leigh.
It has been located on the Broadway for seven years.
“People do love the bakery and we are often told we are the best around,” said Ann.
It is easy to see why shoppers are loyal to Thorpe Bay Broadway and the businesses that keep it thriving.
Planning a trip?
Thorpe Bay Broadway is very convenient. It’s near the c2c rail station and has an abundance of parking both on-street and in a car park.
If you are planning a trip to Thorpe Bay Broadway, here are some of the popular businesses you can expect to see:
Honeycomb News the newsagents offers a range of newspapers and magazine, a selection of confectionary items and to the rear there is a card and gift section.
Broadway Fruits has a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables which is brought in daily.
Hollywood Babes, owner Michelle Jameson hand picks quality fashion items in the store.
Sheer Success has a friendly and experienced team and caters to a range of styles to suit all ages.
Olympia Dry Cleaners offers a range of services, located on the Broadway.
Nekta is a florist whichspecialises in stunning bouquets and funeral flower arrangements.
Home Made Bakery, sells delicious baked goods. It is busy in the morning and calms down by midday.
Sullivan’s has been on the Broadway for many years and is known for its quality cards and gifts.
Tanndoori restaurant Masoom is another recognised eatery which serves classic Indian cuisine.
The Broadway Cafe is a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee in the warmer months.
Since Kitchen and Bar serves a variety of global cuisines from risotto to moussaka
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