SHOPPERS across the North-East now have at least five more retailers to add to their list as a number of new names have appeared in Durham City.

Ahead of the festive period, empty shop units have been transformed into bright and bustling stores and the majority of them are set to stay for good.

A pop-up gin and vodka store and an independent clothing retailer are among the impressive names that have moved into the city in the past four weeks.

The recent wave of openings has since been hailed as proof that the city is a "good place" to do business, despite recent closures.

We've put together a list of all the new openings in the past month and what you can expect to see: 

1. Meeple World

The Northern Echo: Meeple World on Saddler Street Picture: JIM SCOTTMeeple World on Saddler Street Picture: JIM SCOTT

Meeple World on Saddler Street opened just days after the second national lockdown ended and sells a range of board games and soft toys.

2. The Boathouse

The Northern Echo: The Boathouse on Saddler Street Picture: JIM SCOTTThe Boathouse on Saddler Street Picture: JIM SCOTT

Independent retailer The Boathouse has moved into the former Scorpio store on Saddler Street and offers Durham-branded clothing among its range.

3. Durham Distillery (pop-up shop)

The Northern Echo: The Durham Gin Distillery pop-up shop in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre Picture: JIM SCOTTThe Durham Gin Distillery pop-up shop in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre Picture: JIM SCOTT

Located in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham Distillery's pop-up shop is selling a range of its locally-made gin and vodka.

The firm, which was founded in 2014, is expected to move into a permanent "attraction" within the shopping complex in the next few months.

4. Yorkshire Trading Company

The Northern Echo: The former M&S on Silver Street Picture: JIM SCOTTThe former M&S on Silver Street Picture: JIM SCOTT

The family-run Yorkshire Trading Company recently made its return to Durham City after a four-year break following the demolition of former shopping centre, The Gates.

The "value" retailer is currently selling a mix of homeware, clothing, DIY, crafts and garden goods inside the former M&S unit on Silver Street.

5. Durham Bed Company

The Northern Echo: The Durham Bed and Furniture Centre in Durham City Picture: JIM SCOTTThe Durham Bed and Furniture Centre in Durham City Picture: JIM SCOTT

One of the latest store's to open in The Riverwalk development, the Durham Bed & Furniture Centre has opened with its Christmas sale.

The firm, which has other stores at sites including Metrocentre, Washington, Seaham and Renny's Lane, sells a mix of homeware.

'This is about recognising that high streets are changing - you can't rely on all the big names anymore'

Graham Soult, who has been contracted by the City of Durham Parish Council to help accelerate footfall into the city, said it proved Durham is a "good place" to do business.

He told The Northern Echo: "I am really delighted that Durham has seen at least five new openings in the past three to four weeks.

"It's a real positive sign that even among all this chaos that businesses are seeing that there is still opportunity to be had.

"I think it shows that Durham is fundamentally a good place to do business and that retailers are keen to be part of the Durham retail community."

Mr Soult, who spearheads the City of Durham Parish Council funded - Indie Durham City group, said the arrival of a mix of independent traders was welcome.

He said: "This is all about recognising that high streets are changing and that you can't rely on all the big name stores anymore and actually people are very keen to go and see stores that are different.

"What's good about these new openings is that they are offering something different," Mr Soult added.