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Leeds
“Is it worth us fighting to keep the shop open?”: Leeds zero waste store battling closure
"We were never here to get rich, we just wanted to be able to pay all the bills all the while offering this service, giving people the power to choose a more sustainable way of life."
A zero waste shop in Leeds city centre has been asking customers "is it worth us fighting to keep the shop open?" after seeing a downward spiral in sales.
EcoTopia has become a synonymous face in Leeds city centre for those trying to lower their carbon footprint. Stocking everything from Tony's Chocolatony in just about every flavour imaginable to zero waste versions of flour, washing powder and other household essentials, the store has been a huge educator about plastic and chemical waste.
Now, the store faces closure, citing a lack of sales as their reason for considering giving up their position in the heart of the city.
The eco-friendly store is facing closure. / Image: EcoTopia
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the owners explained that the sales of their Central Arcade Store have been declining over a period of weeks and with sales so low, they have an opportunity to fight to stay open, or close the store.
The post explained: "The last 2 weeks have been pretty bad for sales at our Central Arcade store. Can we be real and ask if it's worth us fighting to keep the shop open? Do people actually, really want the Arcade shop to stay open? We can't justify keeping it open when sales are so low."
"We have the chance now to tell the landlord we want to surrender the lease, or we can make a deal to stay open until another business takes the lease off our hands, or the lease ends (Sept 2023). Right now we aren't sure which option to go for because people say they want our shop to stay, but sales over the last 2 weeks tell us a different story.
"We want to keep fighting and keep a presence in the city centre, but we won't fight if there's no reason to. It's really hard on our purses, our mental health and our families.
The store has been educating Leeds about climate change through its zero plastic waste and selection of books. / Image: EcoTopia
"We just feel really downhearted about the Arcade store at the moment because a city centre shop SHOULD be doing better.
"People in all walks of life say they are fed up of plastic and chemicals in and around their products, but they don't set foot into our shop or come onto our website to see what the options are, simply because we "appear" to be a shop suited for a specific type of person. We need help.
"We need more customers, it's as simple as that. Any suggestions to widen our appeal to EVERYONE - without stepping on toes - will be gratefully received.
The store also stocks a range of cold drinks. / Image: EcoTopia
The post has since received over 100 comments, some offering advise and others genuine gratitude for their presence: "It would be wonderful if it's was profitable to stay in the centre because I do love your shop. wish I visited more tbh.. but if its too much to keep, then it may be best to concentrate on the Bramley one I think x I want the best for you guys! And I hate to hear one of your businesses suffering. it may feel bad to lose one, but I just think shopping centres like the central arcade are suffering and it would be awful for you to continue in that. I'd say do what's best for you and your family xx".
Many others suggested new locations for EcoTopia to take on a new venture: "Move to crossgates. Its much cheaper for rent and I would use a local refill station! I do not travel into town as I work and don't have the time or money to go in. Local shops is your best option", however the owners shared that there are only two individuals running the stores so opening further branches is not an option to them.
To support EcoTopia, you can visit their store inside Leeds Central Arcade and speak to the staff, make a purchase and raise awareness for the hidden store that's been making Leeds a more sustainable place to live for quite some time.
Feature Image- EcoTopia
Leeds
Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Sophie Smith -
13th July 2022 
