Henmores, part of the independent Young Ideas Group, has opened its brand-new store creating six jobs and bringing a carefully curated collection of 100 well-known fashion and country-lifestyle brands to the town.
Henmores, part of the independent Young Ideas Group, Uttoxeter Store
It follows a six-week refurbishment of a prominent High Street premises which was formerly occupied by The Fashion Parade and Bare Necessities. The building has a long retail history, having previously been home to G. Orme and Buxton & Bonnet, a where generations of Uttoxeter families previously bought school uniforms.
Now the historic store has been given a new lease of life, offering clothing, footwear and accessories for women and men, from leading brands including Holland Cooper, Barbour and Joules.
Henmores is part of the multi-award-winning Young Ideas Group, which operates five stores across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, including Young Ideas and Henmores in Ashbourne, Young Ideas in Lichfield and Henmores at Peak Village, near Bakewell.
The expansion to Uttoxeter is the brainchild of business owner Anne Wright, who bought the first store in Ashbourne in 2008. She is passionate about the future of Britain's market towns having been instrumental in helping revitalise Ashbourne town centre.
As Chair of Ashbourne Town Team and a director of Discover Ashbourne CIC, she has worked alongside businesses, community groups and local authorities to help reinvigorate the town centre, attract visitors and encourage people to shop locally. Now she wants to do exactly the same in Uttoxeter.
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Her collaborative work helped secure more than £13million of Levelling Up investment, supporting the development of Discover Ashbourne's website and social media platforms, and helping organise events including the Big Fashion Day Out, Dog Day Out and Classic Car Festival. She has also helped drive forward Ashbourne's successful Business Improvement District (BID) initiative.
Now Anne wants to bring the same approach to Uttoxeter, working with established businesses, community organisations and local authorities to encourage more people into the town centre.
Anne said:
"We have already been made to feel incredibly welcome in Uttoxeter. We are proud to be investing in the high street, creating jobs and bringing a beautiful historic building back to life. But for me, this is about much more than opening another shop. I am passionate about our market towns and the important role independent businesses play in their future.
"In Ashbourne, I have seen first-hand what can be achieved when businesses, councils and communities work together. It takes commitment, collaboration and a shared belief in what a town can become. High streets need to be places people want to visit, spend time in and enjoy. That means having a great mix of independent shops, hospitality, events and experiences which give people a reason to come into town.
She said:
"Uttoxeter already has so much going for it and I would love Henmores to play an active part in its future. We want to get to know our neighbours, work alongside the people who are already doing great things here and explore how we can collectively encourage more visitors and shoppers into the town.
Anne added:
"Independent retailers are at the heart of our market towns. When we support one another, create reasons for people to visit and take pride in our high streets, everyone benefits. We are delighted to have become part of Uttoxeter and are looking forward to building lasting relationships with the community."
An official opening took place earlier this month bringing together longstanding customers, new shoppers, business people and the Henmores team.
Guests enjoyed fizz and canapés prepared by Lowes on Carter Street Chef George Lowe and his team as well as live music.
The Young Ideas Group has won numerous industry awards, including the Drapers Community Champion and Boutique Star Community Hero awards in 2024, recognising its contribution to the communities in which it operates.
To find out more please go to: www.youngideasfashion.com
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