Mystery shoppers rate Bolsover best in the UK

The historic Derbyshire town of Bolsover has been rated best in the UK for outstanding customer service.

In a mystery shopper exercise conducted by retail skills specialist, The Source Skills Academy, the town’s retailers were highlighted as going above and beyond to achieve exceptional levels of service.

The Source has been conducting mystery shopping projects for the last three years in town centres, districts and markets around the UK.

George Elliott, business communications manager from The Source, commented: “We found the warmth and friendliness of Bolsover retailers to be outstanding. We have never yet visited a town that has scored so highly, percentage-wise.”

Bolsover’s mystery shopping scores were revealed at the Bolsover Town Jewel Awards ceremony last week, which was held to celebrate business growth and success in the town.

Castle Card Shop, run by owner Dawn Clark since mid-2014, was named overall winner in the Awards.

Elliott continued: “I’m truly passionate about customer service. Any business of any size can stand out against the competition by prioritising their customers, encouraging them to come back time and time again.”

The 12 top-scoring businesses – all scoring 100% – in the mystery shopper exercise were:

• Bella Blu.
• Castle Barbers.
• Castle Card Shop.
• Castle Cycles.
• Castleside Carpets.
• Claim to Frame.
• Dollies.
• English Heritage Castle Gift Shop.
• Funky Monkey.
• Georges Fashion and Footwear.
• Parkers Opticians.
• Ultima Hair Salon.