The town's vibrant business scene is thriving with new openings and expansions.
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Forres: A hub of entrepreneurial spirit
Forres, a picturesque town in Scotland, is currently witnessing an impressive business boom, with 11 new shops having opened their doors in the past year alone. This surge in entrepreneurship is not just a fleeting trend; it reflects a growing confidence among local business owners and a vibrant community eager to support them.
New businesses making their mark
The new establishments on Forres’s High Street range from a charming boutique and a kilt hire shop to a convenience store and an eco-friendly recycling outlet. These diverse offerings cater to a wide array of customer needs, showcasing the town’s commitment to fostering unique and independent businesses.
Among the notable newcomers is The Olive Tree Kitchen, a takeaway café opened by Gill and Weller de Oliveira, who previously ran a successful café at Logie Steading. After taking a brief hiatus to focus on family, the couple has returned to the culinary scene with renewed enthusiasm, contributing to the town’s dynamic food landscape.
Community-focused initiatives
Fiona Gibson’s recent venture, The Old Market Refillery, aims to help the community reduce plastic waste. Opened on December 6 after extensive renovations, this shop emphasizes sustainability and eco-consciousness, aligning with the growing trend of environmentally friendly consumerism. Jock Gibson, Fiona’s husband and owner of the neighboring Macbeth’s Butchers, expressed his excitement about the positive changes in Forres, stating that the town is buzzing with energy and opportunity.
A bright future for Forres
Local business owners are optimistic about the future. Laura Hanson, owner of Babalu, shared her enthusiasm for the new businesses, noting that Forres feels alive and vibrant. She hopes that the town will become a shopping destination for visitors from afar, further enhancing its appeal.
According to the Moray Chamber of Commerce’s annual report, Forres outshines other towns in the region, boasting an average of 10 new shops compared to just 1.5 in other Moray towns. This remarkable statistic underscores the town’s thriving economy and the community’s support for local entrepreneurs.
A spokesperson for Forres Local highlighted the frequency of positive business news, stating, “Hardly a month goes by when we’re not reporting on a new outlet opening on the high street, a business moving to larger premises, or some other positive business news.” This consistent growth indicates a promising trajectory for Forres as a vibrant commercial hub.
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