Two Seasons saved by previous owner who brings back staff and reopens Lincoln store
Two Seasons is back to its former service
Two Seasons returned to Lincoln High Street last June after being bought out of administration, but after COVID complications they are now ready to spread the word. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
Skate, surf and snow sport fashion chain Two Seasons has made a grand return to Lincoln High Street after being bought out of administration by its previous owner, who also managed to bring back most of the old staff members at the store.
Two Seasons is a retailer that specialises in casual clothing, footwear and accessories for enthusiasts of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding, selling popular brands such as Dickies, Vans and Thrasher.
The store on Lincoln’s upper High Street closed without warning in August 2020, along with other branches in areas such as Nottingham and Exeter.
Two Seasons is every surfer and skater’s dream clothes shop. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
Staff at the Lincoln branch were told of the closure in an equally unforeseen manner, with Two Seasons’ then-owners Boardriders hosting a conference call to tell staff the store was closing that same evening.
Boardriders had placed the brand into administration, causing the closure of six stores and the loss of dozens of jobs; you’d be forgiven for thinking that was the end of Two Seasons as a High Street retailer.
Dedicated sections for skateboards inside the store. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
However, the original owner before Boardriders took over, Stuart Roberts, bought the Two Seasons brand from administrators and built it back up again, setting about reopening the six stores that had closed under previous ownership.
Lincoln’s store was one of the first to be brought back in June 2021, but after multiple complications with supply and internal fitout brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company had many obstacles to overcome.
A variety of shoes on offer, including trainers from big brands such as New Balance and Etnies. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
They are now ready to shine a light on the Lincoln Two Seasons branch, which has managed to retain three staff members from when it closed in 2020, including Lee Thompson and Michael Gartside.
Lee, 38, told The Lincolnite that he was “honoured” to be asked to come back and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the business.
Michael Gartside (left) and Lee Thompson (right) were original members of staff before the initial closure, and now they’re back. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
“Most of us had moved on and got new jobs”, Lee said. “We were told overnight about the closure over a conference call, Boardriders held a conference call to say they were bringing someone round to pick the keys up that very next day.”
“Stuart reached out to us and we were honoured to be invited back to Two Seasons. We always felt cautiously optimistic it would return as we were one of the more profitable stores across the brand.”
Clothes such as hoodies, shirts and jackets, as well as accessories including bags and boards. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
Lee also said that with the reopening has come a new look for the business, with more creative freedom to sell a wider range of brands.
With the weather warming up and coming into a more suitable season for the apparel sold at Two Seasons, optimism is high at the Lincoln store.
| Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
Lee added: “We are definitely less restricted in what can be stocked, the store is a lot more authentic now that the brand has gone independent and I think that has helped connect with customers.
“The response has been great since reopening, we’ve had a lot of existing customers come back and say how pleased they are to see us, as well as new faces discovering us. We’re just super stoked to be back.”
Two Seasons is open at 234 High Street between 10am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday, as well as 9.30-5.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30-4pm on Sundays.
| Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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