Chichester shop selected as one of the most loved businesses in UK

Present Surprise, a gift shop on South Street, was announced a winner on Valentine’s Day.

Over 4,000 nominations were made for #LoveLocalDay and the gift was voted as one of the top 20 in the country.

#LoveLocalDay was an event run by ShopAppy - an online shopping platform that you can use to browse products and services from small businesses across the district and pay for them online or in store.

The event was run in order to celebrate local businesses, with people nominating their favourite local business before ShopAppy choosing a selection of winning nominations and sending them a special thank you gift.

Dave Hockridge, Adrian Marden, Terry Walters and their dog Edward, from Present Surprise, said: “We are a winner out of so many businesses, totally chuffed.

“Thank you to everyone that voted for us and supporting us throughout the difficult past 18 months it really means a lot to us and reminds us that everything we do is appreciated by our customers.

“Stay safe everyone and please continue to support your local high streets because now more than ever we really need you.

“We’ve read the comments voted and our favourite it “The shop is always friendly and run by a couple of cheery and colourful characters “.

“We believe that really some us up!”

Helen Marshall, Vice Chair and CEO of Chichester BID said: “Chichester is a city where local independent businesses are really able to thrive and they all give character and value to our retail offering.

“Present Surprise is a great example of this and are one of Chichester’s best loved independent businesses, offering different and interesting products for a loyal customer base.

“We, at Chichester BID, are not at all surprised they have won this accolade.

The owners are always so friendly and really care about commercial and community life within the city so congratulations to them.”

Among many of the comments that the shop received were: “Present Surprise is a very pleasant shop, with good helpful staff. Good quality goods, cards and objects displayed that persuade you to buy, well worth a visit

“The shop is a friendly independent business with fantastically welcoming owners and a wonderful selection of quirky and unusual cards and gifts. It’s exactly the sort of shop we should be encouraging in our city centre.

“A great local business run by people who do care for the local community.

“An independent business offering high quality products with great service. a great local independent business with fantastic gifts and friendly staff who are always hard working, and friendly.

“It’s a great business, great staff because there independent, very helpful staff,fantastic range of stock,and extremely well priced.

“A great all round shopping experience for any occasion and nothings too much with their great help.

“These guys have faced difficulties, none deserve it more, they are selfless people and are close to many hearts, offer a friendly service and good wide choice of products and have the best cards in town.

The owners are always helpful, really friendly and very welcoming.

“A truly wonderful independent shop.”