INDEPENDENT businesses in a Worcester shopping mall have tackled the recession head-on.

Despite declining footfall and empty units, traders in historic Reindeer Court are working hard to attract new customers.

Many, who have pledged their backing for your Worcester News’ Buy Local campaign, believe variety is vital if they are to survive the downturn.

Katherine Bujanszki, owner of contemporary floral boutique Beautiful Flowers, said: “You have to provide something unusual if you want to keep people coming back to you.

“It’s hard at the moment, but that is because of the recession, but we have got a lot of loyal, regular customers.

“When I first came to Worcester I knew straight away that I wanted to open a shop in the New Street and Friar Street area.

“There is so much character and charm and lots of little independents.

“You can see people’s own creativity and individuality and that is something that’s being pushed out by bigger shops on the high street.”

Mrs Bujanszki, who opened the award-winning store almost five years ago, added that if the public stopped using small retailers, they would have no choice but to shop at large supermarkets – where personal service, expert advice and speciality items are harder to find.

At Brimstone Gallery and Gifts, better known as Reindeer Court’s well-established bead shop, owner Frank Edwards runs an art gallery selling works that cannot be found on supermarket shelves.

He said: “When there is a recession and footfall is down, people want something different.

“You have to offer variety and you have to encourage what is new and fresh and I think we provide that.”

Reindeer Court, running from The Shambles to New Street, was once a coaching inn.

Today, it is a shopping paradise with independent jewellers, such as Ian Quartermaine, fashion stores, cafes and tea shops, hair salons and an underground treasure trove called the Antiques Centre.

Alan Mansfield, owner of Jessica Jones Lighting, admitted it was hard to compete with the internet and national chains, but believes he has a reputation strong enough to attract business from Northern Ireland to Rochester.

Keson Hall, on the other hand, opened her store selling items imported from Thailand just five weeks ago.

She is naturally keen to see more Worcestershire people through the doors.

“It’s quite hard when you’re just starting out,” she said.

“We just hope that, once people realise we are open, we can stay here for a long time.”