INDEPENDENT traders from a Worcester shopping centre used their good reputations to see them through the recession.

There are a wide variety of businesses in Reindeer Court – from tea rooms and antique stores, jewellery makers to hairdressers – and although there are still empty units, there are well-established stores too.

Simon Benhamou opened clothing boutique Dare about 12 years ago. Fuel, the boutique stocking sought-after High Street designer wear, followed a few years later.

Marie Lloyd, fashion consultant at Fuel, said being independent allows a clothing shop to offer customer service that big conglomerate chains simply do not.

“We have a lot of regular customers and everything we have is a bit different to the High Street stores,” she said.

“We don’t have a great amount of the same items and we can spend time with customers when they need our help or advice. People appreciate that.”

Fuel sells a range of designers, including Firetrap, Desigual, Levi and FCUK, as well as shows and accessories.

The store appeals to a wide range of customers.

Just a few doors down husband and wife Wendy and Frank Edwards sell Fair Trade crafts, hand-made jewellery and artwork.

Their store, Brimstone Gallery and Gifts, boasts an enviable reputation and, to some residents, is still nicknamed “the bead shop”.

“I’m positive about the future and that things will get better,” said Mrs Edwards, who opened the store 10 years ago and is herself a painter.

“Whenever people come through the door they comment on how lovely the shop is.

“As soon as they discover us they come back.

“Being independent isn’t easy but it isn’t impossible either.

“We have been building our Fair Trade range and we have some beautiful cards by local artists.

“There’s been a lot of pressure over the past few years and we have seen a lot of businesses close down but we’re still here so we must be doing something right.”

Above the gift shop is an art gallery and picture framing service run by Mr Edwards.

The store is currently stocking original art by contemporary painter Gillian McDonald as well as the best-selling artist Nikky Corker.

Other independents thriving in Reindeer Court are Katherine Bujanszki’s award-winning floral boutique Beautiful Flowers, Rock Lob-ster, Ice and Ian Quartermaine Jeweller, Jessica Jones Lighting, as well as Elgar’s and Charlston’s cafes.

See next Wednesday’s Worcester News to read about businesses flourishing in the Hopmarket, Worcester.