A look at one of Rochdale's oldest shopping streets

The Walk

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Tall buildings in close proximity in a narrow alley, The Walk at first sight can appear like a throw back to a bygone era, but spend a little time there and it soon becomes clear that the place is still constantly bustling with a steady stream of shoppers making their way to and from Yorkshire Street. 

This steady stream of people is manna from heaven to the retailers plying their goods in the shops; everything from jewellery from J D Alexanders, herbal medicine from Herbal Tang, newspapers and magazines at The Walk News, pies and cakes from Sayers Bakers, mobile phones from the Phone Shop, plus you can have your hair done at Greg Couzens and your nails manicured at Rochdale Nails Bar.

Greg Couzens hair salon has been in The Walk for over 25 years, Mr Couzens business is still thriving despite the difficult economic climate and he is very happy with his location, he said: "The Walk has been very good for my business over the years, a lot of people pass through every day and of course the shop window is the best advert any business can have."

Duyen Nguuem, owner of Rochdale Nails Bar, who has just opened in The Walk said: "We have had a shop in Rochdale Market for some time but we think the shop here on The Walk will attract a lot of passing customers."

Paul Swindon and Karen Rogerson of J D Alexander Jewellers were frank about trade not being what it was, and the need for the council to do more to “give people an incentive to come to town”, but remain upbeat enough to have invested in expensive new signage for the exterior of the building.