New business ventures are breathing life back into Broughty Ferry after the area was plagued by recession-led closures over the last year.
Several stores in the area were forced to shut down during the economic downturn, but a number of new firms, from a chip shop to a flooring company, are preparing to open their doors to customers.
Recent Brook Street additions the Cake Guru, Subway and shoe shop Solo per Te are also said to be doing a roaring trade, while the expansion of fashion retailer M&Co has filled the gap left by Woolworths’ demise.
A pair of enterprising Broughty Ferry mothers are also hoping the fruits of their labour will pay off as they open a new greengrocers store today.
Jan McTaggart (40) and Carole Sommerville (43) have teamed up to open Clementine of Broughty Ferry, a fruit and vegetable shop on Gray Street.
The pair, who have been friends since meeting at their children’s school, said they wanted to fill a gap in the market for fresh produce.
Jan said, “We both really wanted a greengrocer in the Ferry as we felt it was something that was missing.”
The owner of Solo per Te, Lesley Brunton, said business has been brisk since the shop opened in March.
“Everything has been going really well,” she said. “Generally we have received a lot of support and people seem to like what we have.”
Wendy Fraser, the owner of The Cake Guru, said, “We are fully booked in cake orders for several weeks.
“We have been very busy since we opened in May.
“It is still early days but we have had a very positive start.”
The recent boost offers a glimmer of hope to the high street after the recession led to a number of shops closing, including Victoria Wine and McLeish Brothers.
Although several units still remain vacant on Brook Street, local councillors and the Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association said the launch of new businesses proves that retailers are still attracted to the area.
“Broughty Ferry, like everywhere nationally, suffered a period that was challenging,” Sandro Paladini, of Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association said.
“But what Broughty Ferry has that very few other places have is the ability to retain quality independent shops as well as selected national chains, which creates a nice atmosphere.”
Councillor Rod Wallace said, “The Ferry is always going to be a good place to open new businesses. It is the jewel in the crown for Dundee.”