Chris Smith of Christoph s Crepes in the Norwich Lanes
- Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2021
Independent businesses are gearing up for a surge in footfall come freedom day but are asking for patience when it comes to the dreaded question of face coverings.
Norwich Lanes were buzzing on Friday, as the weather finally started to resemble summer.
Chris Smith, 39, who runs Christophe s Crepes on Pottergate, is beyond excited for the return to normality.
Chris Smith of Christoph s Crepes in the Norwich Lanes. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY
- Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2021 We want shops to be open and for the city to be open, he said, because that s when people come and visit us.
He started the shop creating a niche market selling kaftans which he sourced from walking around London s Petticoat Lane. I just walked around and spoke to the gentlemen who became my suppliers of kaftans and hooded dresses as well as bedspreads and we became Norwich s market leader in these.
Later he expanded the stock to include other clothes, candles, jewellery and joss sticks, buying from wholesalers in India and Nepal. Having worked for Oxfam and other charities, ensuring fair trade has always been a top priority.
In fact, Mr Wyatt has aided St Gregory s Centre for the Arts for the past 30 years as well as conducting its resident orchestra.