What shops would you like to see in Oakham in 2024?

We asked, and you answered, and the results are in.

Nub News readers have shared a host of shops and stores that they would like to see heading to Oakham this year, and the comprehensive list includes everything from clothes and shoes to hardware and home bargains.

Brands that residents suggested include:

• Zara
• B&M
• New Look
• The Works
• KFC
• Debenhams
• M&S
• Primark
• H&M
• TKMaxx
• Sports Direct
• JD Sports
• CEX
• Poundland
• Subway
• Farmfoods
• Starbucks
• Next

Some also called for the return of Wilko following the closure of the homeware shop in September 2023.

Others shared more general suggestions for additions to Oakham High Street, which included:

• an indoor market
• a cinema
• a swimming pool
• 'more affordable' clothes shops
• a shoe shop for children
• a bowling alley
• an entertainment hub
• hardware stores
• more chain shops
• more parking
• a stationery shop
• ATMs
• gaming hub
• banks
• weekly bus excursions
• a place to buy unique gifts

One resident lamented the loss of Colemans stationery shop in 2022, while another said it would be great to have more diversity in the range of shops, and the ability to buy unique gifts.

Despite this desire, Oakham's quirky gift and furniture shop, Peeky's Quirky Gifts, closed on 6 January only a year after setting up shop on South Street after struggling to attract customers.

Another resident said that something for the young would be at the top of their list of desires for the town, adding that the "youth are so often overlooked."

What do you think? Or are you planning on opening a shop that ticks one of these boxes in Oakham in 2024?

Let us know by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.