Petersfield has seen its very own swap shop as two of the town’s most popular independent stores are settling into new homes.

Gillie G’s and The Five Fifteen have almost swapped premises with the latter moving to The Square from Hobbs Lane and the former making the reverse journey.

And bosses at both are delighted with how it’s turning out, with customers welcoming the respective moves.

“The footfall here is mental,” said Martin Constable, whose Five Fifteen outfit has moved into the former Cubitt & West unit on the corner of the High Street.

“We had been off central car park for nine years but a lot of people didn’t know we were there. We’re definitely in a much more visible place now.

“We’re doing women’s, men’s and kid’s clothing now and diversifying a lot. We’ll eventually have two floors and we’re looking to support the town with its clothing needs.”

Mr Constable told the Post there were “irons in the fire” in previously talking about the closure of his former unit on the corner of Hobbs Lane and Central Parade.

Heading in the opposite direction – into the very same unit previously occupied by The Five Fifteen – is Gillie Gs.

Gillie Gs Hobbs Lane Petersfield
Gillie Gs now occupies a space on Hobbs Lane, the walkway linking Chapel Street with Central Car Park. It was previously occupied by The Five Fifteen. (Tindle/Paul Ferguson)

The boutique previously occupied the landmark Georgian building at 24 The Square, opposite the library. But the rates were high and accessibility was a problem, given the flight of steps to the shop floor.

“We had been looking to downsize for a while,” said Gillian Northcott about her move across the town centre.

“It was a good place but it was expensive and the stairs meant not everyone could come in.

“This new shop is perfect for us. We’ve also been surprised by how many people have popped in saying they didn’t know we were on The Square.”

The move and refurbishment has taken three months but previous customers will find much to peruse at the new shop with clothing, shoes and accessories on offer.

Between The Lines Rams Walk Petersfield
Between The Lines is moving into the empty unit next door on Rams Walk, with independent fashion store Peony taking its place after a successful pop-up last year. (EHDC)

There’s also been some development on Rams Walk with another of the precinct’s long-term traders swapping one unit for another.

Between The Lines is moving next door to a larger unit to “accommodate its growing customer base” with independent fashion brand Peony taking their place.

Bosses at the latter have committed to Rams Walk with a five-year lease having held a successful pop-up during the festive period.

East Hampshire District Council, which owns Rams Walk, believes the decision of both traders reflects the strength of the shopping centre as a trading location.

Peony Pop Up Rams Walk Petersfield
Peony have committed to a five-year lease following a successful pop-up tenure in Rams Walk during the festive period. (EHDC)

“This is a real good news story,” said a spokesperson for EHDC in highlighting the continued appetite for “high quality independent retail” in the town.

“We’ve stayed true to our vision for Rams Walk, blending well-placed national names with a strong focus on independent retailers.

“To now see a full parade of shops, especially in the current economic climate, is a significant achievement.”

Both retailers are now undertaking shop fit-outs and aim to open their doors by late spring to early summer.