A BUSINESS owner was 'really grateful' to the community for choosing her as the Trader of the Week.
Gail List, the owner of lingerie shop Petals of Hexham, said she was 'humbled' by readers to be nominated for the title.
She has lived in Hexham for over 30 years and opened Petals more than 20 years ago.
"I adore Hexham and I'm very passionate about it. We've got a lot of really loyal customers," she said.
The business offers a personal service for bra fittings and sells swimwear and nightwear.
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"There's not many of us left as specialists to do bra fitting, we give 100 per cent. We would never let anyone go out of the shop unless we were sure it fitted them well. We go the extra mile to look after our customers."
Speaking of the struggles retailers have faced in the town, including road closures as a result of the town's high street improvement work, Gail said businesses deserved recognition.
"I think every retailer, bar and restaurant in Hexham needs a pat on the back for surviving what we've had to put up with. I don't think a lot of towns would have survived as well as we have without the resilience of each other and our good local people who still come and support us.
"With all that going on, we've all stood strong and survived it so that tells you the resilience of this town," she said.
Gail said she was 'humbled' to be nominated as Trader by the local community.
"For people to be bothered to promote someone and take the time to go online and do that, I'm really grateful for them to appreciate what we do here."
As part of the Hexham in Bloom committee, Gail is also involved in organising the hanging baskets outside shop windows on Market Street.
"I wouldn't be able to do it unless the shop owners wanted them, all the people in Market Street need a pat on the back because the majority of us get a basket every year. Down to Earth supplies us with them and drops them off, and we put them all up. It's all credit to the businesses for having one. People have had a hard time with the roads closed and they still put their hand in their pocket and buy them."
Petals is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am until 5pm.
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