November has seen plenty of excitement as new businesses opened across Hertfordshire, but lots of sadness as beloved stores closed.
Here's five businesses that opened or closed this month.
1. Little Fresh - Stevenage
Stevenage Electric Forecourt has an exciting addition, with customers now able to pay with Amazon Just Walk Out technology at a new store on the site.
With the new tech, visitors to the Little Fresh store can simply tap their contactless payment card or smartphone wallet upon store entry and grab what they need.
Items taken from the shelves will be detected and a virtual shopping cart will be created. When the customer is done shopping, they can leave the store without waiting in line, and their choice of payment method will be charged for the items.
Stevenage Electric Forecourt is operated by GRIDSERVE, and is located just off Junction 7 of the A1(M) near the Knebworth Estate.
2. Home Land - Hitchin
A new homeware store has opened in Hitchin after taking over a vacant town centre unit.
11a and 11b Bancroft have stood empty since last August when The Works closed down due to being "unable to agree a viable rent agreement".
But now, Home Land has move into the units, selling household goods, kitchenware, bedding, electronics, souvenirs and gifts.
3. Specsavers - Hatfield
Specsavers in Hatfield celebrated the store’s reopening with a party for the people of the town.
The party was also attended by Mayor Frank Marsh who cut the ribbon on the new £350k store, and the founder of Specsavers Dame Mary Perkins who gave a speech.
To accompany the ribbon cutting, the opticians and audiologists also held a cake cutting with snacks and refreshments for all of the Hatfield residents.
Speaking on the success of the opening, Mitesh Raghwani, Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers Hatfield, said: ‘"The team and I are so pleased with the reception we received from the town.
"We wanted to celebrate this refurbishment with the community as we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without their support and confidence."
4. Leavened Bakery - Stevenage
A popular bakery and coffee shop in Stevenage has permanently close, after the owner opened another bakery in a North Herts village.
Izabela Stuchlik closed Leavened Bakery in Stevenage Old Town on November 16, so she can concentrate her efforts on building her business at Lannock Farm in Weston.
"It has been a difficult decision, but we have decided to focus on one location, and also on fusing a good work/life/health balance, which isn’t possible with two extremely busy locations," she said.
Leavened Bakery was established in Stevenage Indoor Market in 2020, before expanding to the Old Town in May last year. In June this year, Izabela opened another bakery in Weston. The market stall has since closed.
5. Firework Frenzy - Stevenage
Firework Frenzy has opened its doors at 72 High Street in Old Town Stevenage, with the family-owned business making it easier and more affordable to access high-quality fireworks.
The shop has been launched in response to the difficulties people face each year in finding a good selection of fireworks at reasonable prices.
"We plan to remain open through the holiday period, helping people prepare for memorable displays at Christmas, New Year’s, and beyond," said the owners.
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