This past month has seen plenty of excitement as new businesses opened across Hertfordshire, but lots of sadness as beloved stores set to close.
Here's five businesses that have opened or closed this month.
1 - Post Office
The Post Office, located inside a Morrisons Daily store on Hall Grove, could be lost unless a retailer agrees to host the service following the shop’s closure.
Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield, has launched a petition in a bid to save the Post Office from closing.
He said: "Morrisons Local announced a few weeks ago that it would be closing its shop and without an intervention, the Post Office inside the shop will also be lost.
"I know how valued the Post Office is by the local community and pledged to do all I could to keep a Post Office in Hall Grove."
2 - Grand Trunk Road by Papa J's
An award-winning restaurant has opened its doors in the heart of Harpenden.
Grand Trunk Road by Papa J's, previously based in Luton, launched in High Street on July 1, following more than 20 years of success in its former location.
The new eatery, which takes its name and inspiration from the ancient trade route connecting South Asia, reimagines Papa J's as a destination celebrating the depth and variety of Indian cuisine.
Named in tribute to the late founder Jay Bhikha, who helped pioneer Indian tapas dining in the UK, the restaurant aims to blend old favourites with new regional dishes from across the subcontinent.
Ravi Bhikha, owner and son of Jay Bhikha, said: "This restaurant is incredibly personal.
"Grand Trunk Road wasn't simply a rebrand - it was a dream my father and I spoke about many years ago. Sadly, he never had the opportunity to see it become reality, but every part of this restaurant has been created to honour that vision.
"Although we're moving to a new town, we're bringing with us 22 years of experience, passion and hospitality.
"Harpenden has welcomed us so warmly, and we're excited to become part of this wonderful community."
3 - Volvo
The new Endeavour Volvo Cars showroom on Norton Way North opened earlier this month and has created 20 jobs.
Managing director Andrew Gore said: "This is an exciting step forward for Volvo Cars and Endeavour as our brand-new home in Letchworth is now open, representing a significant investment in the area and marking our eighth Volvo site in the South East.
"We’ve invested significant time and care into creating the perfect space where customers can feel relaxed and comfortable, while also integrating the latest eco-friendly technology to ensure sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
"We're incredibly proud to support Volvo’s mission towards a more sustainable future through our thoughtfully designed showroom and all it offers."
4 - Trespass
A chain store is set to close its shop in Stevenage town centre this summer.
Trespass has started a closing down sale at its store in the Westgate Shopping Centre.
The shop, which sells outdoor clothing and accessories, is set to close at the end of August.
However, the store also held a closing down sale in September 2024, but the shop remained open.
It is unknown what will replace Trespass after the shop closes its doors for the final time.
5 - Banking Hub
A new high street Banking Hub has opened to improve access to financial services in Harpenden.
The permanent shop is now serving customers at 35 High Street after operating temporarily from the town hall since December 2025.
Managed by Cash Access UK, the hub has already recorded more than 12,500 customer visits since it began operating, and will continue offering in-person counter services for customers of major high street banks.
Kirsti Wenn, mayor of Harpenden, said: "The town council, together with Cash Access UK, are thrilled that banking services in Harpenden is now permanently available in a central location, providing a vital service to the people and businesses in our town."
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