Poll picks Archway’s top shops

Published: 22 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

AS small shops struggle to survive, a survey of businesses by an Archway pressure group has found that “service with a smile” is as important as cheapness.

More than 800 members of Better Archway Forum (BAF) were asked to choose their most popular shops. 

Top of the list were Yildiz grocery, in Junction Road, Thomas Bros in Holloway Road, and the Co-op, MAP gifts and Absolute Print, in Junction Road.

Some shops came in for criticism. The Co-op was told to take a more active role in the community by getting rid of a permanently out-of-order coffee machine. It was urged to provide a free community noticeboard.

The Post Office was asked to hire more staff to cope with queues.

Kate Calvert, chairwoman of BAF, who organised the survey, said small shops were the lifeblood of the community. 

“We’re very lucky to have such a good variety of outlets,” she added.