The end of free parking?

​📢 ACTION NEEDED: Help Us Keep Whitley Bay Accessible!

As many of you know, we are incredibly proud to run Hamiedog Menswear here in Whitley Bay. We love our town, our coastal views, and most importantly, the amazing community that supports our local independent shops.

​However, there is some news from North Tyneside Council that deeply concerns us.

​What's happening?

​The Council is proposing to introduce new parking charges at The Playhouse and Park Road car parks - sites that have always been free for visitors. They are also proposing a new £30 annual fee for resident parking permits in shared-use schemes.

​Why this matters

​For a small business like ours, "free and easy" parking is what keeps our high street alive.

​It hurts local trade: If it costs money just to "pop in" for 20 minutes, people will naturally head to big out-of-town retail parks where parking is free.

​It hits your pocket: In a cost-of-living crisis, adding £3–£5 to a trip to the coast makes a difference.

​It clogs our streets: Drivers looking to avoid the new fees will end up parking on residential side streets, causing more congestion for our neighbours.

​How you can help (it takes 2 minutes)

​The Council is legally required to listen to "formal objections" before they can finalise these changes. The deadline to speak up is January 29, 2026.

FIRSTLY...

Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade have launched an online petition which they will present to North Tyneside Council before the deadline. Please sign it if you object to the proposals. Within 48 hours of launching it, the petition gained 1500 supporters - you could help to increase these numbers to get our collective voice heard.

The petition is here.

SECONDLY...

​Please send a quick email to: democraticsupport@northtyneside.gov.uk

What to say:

You don't need to write a book! Just tell them you object to the "Traffic Regulation Order for The Playhouse and Park Road parking charges" and briefly say why (e.g., "I want to support local shops without extra costs" or "I'm worried about traffic on my street").

​Every single email counts. Let’s make sure Whitley Bay remains the vibrant, welcoming place we all love.

​Thank you for always having our back!

Scott & Maz

Hamiedog Menswear

PS - If you support the council's plans, we still love you! Getting the balance right when it comes to traffic and parking in the town is always a sensitive topic. But we're going with what we personally believe is best for our business. We accept that everyone has their own opinions and we will always respect that.

The value of authenticity: Why real customers matter more than 'Influencers'

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype around social media influencers. They often seem like the go-to choice for promoting products and services. Yet, many businesses, including ours, choose a different path. We believe that real customers sharing honest experiences offer far more value than influencers who might only be motivated by payment or perks. This post explains why authenticity matters and how genuine customer voices build stronger connections and trust.

Why authenticity builds trust

People can tell when a recommendation is genuine. When someone shares their honest thoughts about a product or service, it feels relatable and trustworthy. On the other hand, influencer promotions sometimes come across as scripted or insincere, especially when followers suspect the influencer is paid to say nice things.

Real customers:

• Share both positives and negatives

• Offer detailed, personal stories

• Show real-life use cases

  
  

This kind of feedback helps potential customers make informed decisions. It also creates a sense of community where people feel heard and valued.

The problem with paid Influencer reviews

Many influencers rely on sponsorships to earn money. While this is a legitimate way to make a living, it can lead to conflicts of interest. Some influencers might:

• Overlook flaws to keep brands happy

• Exaggerate benefits to attract more deals

• Post generic content that lacks depth

  
  

This can mislead customers and damage a brand’s reputation in the long run. When people discover that reviews are not genuine, they lose trust not only in the influencer but also in the business.

How real customer stories make a difference

Real customers bring unique perspectives that influencers cannot replicate. Their stories often include:

• How the product fits into their daily routine

• Specific problems the product solved

• Honest reactions and feelings

  
  

For example, a customer might share how a particular item from our shop helped them save time or made a special occasion memorable. These stories resonate because they come from real experiences, not a marketing script.

Building a community around real feedback

Encouraging customers to share their experiences creates a vibrant, supportive community. This approach benefits both the business and its customers:

• Customers feel appreciated and listened to

• New shoppers find trustworthy advice

• The business gains valuable insights for improvement

  
  

We actively invite feedback through in-store conversations, follow-up emails, and social media posts. This two-way communication strengthens relationships and helps us serve our customers better.

Why we choose real customers over Influencers

Our shop’s reputation depends on trust and authenticity. We want every recommendation to come from a place of truth, not financial gain. Real customers provide that foundation. Their voices:

• Reflect true satisfaction or constructive criticism

• Help us improve products and services

• Create a loyal customer base that feels connected

  
  

By focusing on real people, we build lasting relationships rather than quick, superficial buzz.

What this means for you as a Customer

When you read a review or hear a recommendation from a real customer, you get a clearer picture of what to expect. You can trust that the feedback is based on actual use, not a paid promotion. This transparency helps you make better choices and feel confident in your purchases.

If you’ve had a positive experience with a product or service, sharing your story can help others too. Your honest voice matters more than you might think.

Happy new year!

2026 is here and we would like to wish you all a very prosperous one.

Running an independent business like ours over the last 12 months has not been without ita challenges, and most recently we have had the added pressure of shoplifters and fraudulent payments made... But we won't let this stop us!

We have lots of plans ahead for the next 12 months and we will let you know about them as soon as we can.

Our website is now available for online orders once more and our physical shop in Whitley Bay reopens at 10am on Saturday 3rd January.

Thank you again for your support and let's hope our 10th year in business is a great one!