“We’re looking forward to 12th April when we’ll be able to take our place in Newcastle in the middle of our community,” commented John Edgar, chief executive officer of Fenwick on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme (on location in Newcastle this week, March 23). ‘We’re fundamental to Newcastle life as we are in our locations around the country.”
In John’s opinion, other aspects of leisure such as arts and hospitality all need to reopen before a full recovery can be anticipated, but he voiced optimism for Newcastle’s future.
Asked about the future of retail, John emphasised: “I don’t think big retail is out of date.” He acknowledged the need for all high streets to adapt and change and said the pandemic has accentuated Fenwick’s approach to being “really agile,” with “a more discerning retail offer.”
John highlighted that one of Fenwick Newcastle’s successful recent strategies is to bring local food businesses into the store with pop-up shops, some of which have become permanent fixtures.
Top: Fenwick Newcastle
