What makes Park View different?

People often ask why we decided to open Hamiedog on Park View. The truth is, it never really felt like a difficult decision. Because, even then, we could see something special here. Today, Park View is known for its independent businesses, friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. People come to shop, eat, browse and catch up with friends. It feels vibrant and full of life. But ten years ago things looked very different.

We took a gamble

When we opened Hamiedog back in 2016, Park View wasn't the bustling destination that people know today. There were more empty units, and some shops stood empty for months. Others seemed to come and go. Across the country, high streets were already starting to feel the pressure from online shopping and changing habits.

And perhaps the biggest reminder of changing times stood just around the corner: the Spanish City was standing empty and derelict. At the time, opening a brand new independent menswear store here wasn't necessarily the sensible option. We weren't backed by investors, we weren't opening a franchise, we weren't following a tried-and-tested formula. It was just us, an idea, and a belief that people still valued independent businesses run by real people.

Looking back now, it was a massive gamble. But it was a gamble we believed in.

More than just a shopping street

One of the things we're always loved about Park View is that people don't come here for just one thing. They might start by browsing in LionMade Works, looking for something handmade and unique. The might wander into The Handbag Den or Nicholsons, stop and chat to somebody they know, and end up treating themselves to a slice from Whitley Bay Pizza Co before heading home.

The best days are often unplanned. A quick errand somehow turns into an hour or two exploring the street. That's something you don't find everywhere and we're so lucky to have it.

Independent through and through

What makes Park View special isn't any single business. It's the mix of them. Places like Just Canny who showcase the work of independent makers. Fashion businesses like The Stock Exchange, Mitchells and Escape. Food businesses, cafes, gift shops and countless other independents all bringing something different to the street.

Every business has its own character, its own customers and its own story. Together they create something that feels genuinely unique.

We've grown together

Over the last decade we've watched Park View evolve. We've seen new businesses arrive and empty units brought back to life. We've seen people invest their time, energy and creativity into making the street a better place. In many ways, Hamiedog and Park View have grown together. As the area has developed, so have we.

We outgrew our first shop and moved a few doors down after three years. We've expanded our range, launched new products, worked with local models, supported community initiatives and are in the process of launching our new podcast. We've met thousands of people along the way and it's been quite a journey.

The conversations matter

One of the best things about running Hamiedog has never been the clothing... it's the people. Some customers pop in for a quick browse and leave five minutes later. Others call in for a t-shirt and somehow end up staying half an hour talking about football, holidays, family life, local events or what's happened on Park View this week.

We've watched friendships form. We've welcomed customers' dogs through the door. We've seen familiar faces return year after year.

You can buy clothes almost anywhere these days. What you can't buy is community.

Still here. Still independent.

As Hamiedog approaches its tenth anniversary, that's probably what we're most proud of. Not a particular product or promotion. Not even an award. The fact that after all the changes, challenges and uncertainty that independent retail has faced over the last decade, we're still here.

Still independent. Still on Park View. Still doing things our own way. And that's something we'll never take for granted.

So what makes Park View different?

For us, the answer is simple: It's not the buildings or the shop signs. It's not even the products. It's the people. The business owners unlocking their doors every morning. The customers who choose to shop local. The familiar faces you bump into when you're out for a wander. The conversations that weren't planned and the community that continues to support independent businesses.

Ten years ago we took a chance on Park View. We're incredibly glad we did.

Over to you...

What do you think makes Park View special? Is it a favourite business, a memorable experience, a familiar place or simply the atmosphere of a busy Saturday on the street in the sun?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Drop a message in the comments box at the bottom. After all, every great high street has a story.

Park View's story is its people.