Town centres across Stoke-on-Trent have certainly had a busy year with lots of business opening across the city. 

Here are five businesses which opened their doors in Stoke-on-Trent for the first time this year:

Wilshaws, Stoke

Wilshaws, based on Kingsway in Stoke, opened its doors in November 2023 (Nub News).

Owners Steve and Janet Wilshaw bring nearly 80 years of experience to the business, which is a completely independent shoe repairers, trophy centre, engravers and locksmith. 

Wilshaws also support local homelessness charity, The Macari Foundation, by doing five repairs a week for the residents, completely free of charge. 

Wilshaws is now 9am-5pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 9.30am-3.30pm on a Saturday.

So Very Dog, Longton

So Very Dog, based in Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, opened its doors in August (Nub News).

Owner, Sarah Taylor, had been making handmade pet accessories for some time before owning her own shop, which stocks these items as well as a huge range of natural treats. 

At the opening, Sarah said: ""Thank you for all of the support and messages, especially to the people of Longton - it's such a lovely place and it's great to be here."

So Very Dog is open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturday. 

Flannels, Hanley

Flannels, a luxury multi-brand clothing retailer, opened in The Potteries Centre in August. 

Located in the former Scotts unit, the shop offers a range of designer clothing, accessories, footwear and beauty. 

This is Flannels first and only Stoke-on-Trent store, other branches are in Manchester, Wolverhampton and Derby. 

MAW Fruit and Veg, Longton

A brand-new fruit and veg shop opened in Longton Exchange Shopping Centre back in May (Nub News).

MAW Fruit and Veg prides itself on providing the local community with a traditional pick-your-own fruit and veg selection as well as household essentials. 

Owner, Mark Walker, opened the business when he "fancied a change" from his plumbing and electrical business. 

MAW Fruit and Veg is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. 

Keep it Local, Longton

A popular local business opened its first permanent store in Longton Exchange Shopping Centre in September (Nub News).

Owned by Stoke-on-Trent couple Andy and Laura, Keep it Local had exclusively done pop-up events in local shopping centres before the opening of their shop. 

The new shop showcases 67 independent makers who create a whole range of products, from prints and t-shirts to keyrings and flasks. 

The brand-new shop is open 10am-4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10am-2pm on a Thursday. 

READ MORE: Busy ice cream parlour in Stoke-on-Trent wins bid to remain open

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