'Tis the weekend to be grateful and hopeful as Blackpool's independent traders call on shoppers to buy local in run up to Christmas

A time for resurgence, Blackpool’s independent traders and businesses wasted no time in getting themselves reopen after lockdown number two to welcome back customers for the first weekend of Christmas shopping.
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Left with just days to prepare after the Government gave the green light for shops to resume trading, shop fronts and window were dressed to impress in the hope of reigniting confidence amongst customers and encouraging them to splash the cash locally in the festive build-up.

And Jon Beautmont of Belle Boutique says no business will be resting on their laurels, doing everything they can to generate sales in the next few weeks.

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He said: “It has been very difficult - Tier three is not ideal for retail and the footfall is telling as the knock on effect with the restaurants and cafes, the in town workers is telling.

“We very much rely on the people walking and the confidence in people spending their money. The recent news with some of the bigger stores doesn’t help in this way as customers are scared whether shops are going to be there.

“The message we need to get out there is that we will if customers support us, we are still here and we want to remain for many more years to come.”

Chrissy Thomas-Griffin owner of the Lingerie Lounge in Church Street said there was a real buzz and sense of excitement among staff as they refilled their diary for appointments.

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She said the business, like many, had pivoted in lockdown with a new online service, but their USP was still routed in a personal, bespoke service that their customers desire.

Blackpool town centre back open for business for first weekend after Lockdown Two.Blackpool town centre back open for business for first weekend after Lockdown Two.
Blackpool town centre back open for business for first weekend after Lockdown Two.

She added: “We were raring to get going and managed to get the festive window displays all done in two days ready for opening and it’s been so lovely to get back.

“The bookings have been going well. We’re lucky we had the opportunity to embrace the online sales but what we all love is that personal touch, interacting and supporting customers, giving people a space to browse and that’s really what we want to focus on in these next few weeks.”

The first Saturday after the second lockdown was perhaps missing some of the spirited buzz usually felt around this time of year. Traders said it was 'much quieter' compared to the usual rush of Christmas shopping.

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Tier three restrictions meaning cafes and restaurants remain shut, which has had an impact on shopping habits.

Chrissy Thomas-Griffin owner of the Lingerie Lounge in Church Street said she and the team are excited to be welcoming customers back to store.Chrissy Thomas-Griffin owner of the Lingerie Lounge in Church Street said she and the team are excited to be welcoming customers back to store.
Chrissy Thomas-Griffin owner of the Lingerie Lounge in Church Street said she and the team are excited to be welcoming customers back to store.

Mark Yates of the family run Brooks Collectables in Waterloo Road, said he would only be trading on Saturday and Sundays leading into the new year.

“It’s been harder this time round than the first, with the tier system and not knowing, especially in the run up to Christmas

“The passing trade on the promenade is non-existent and we have to be mindful of that. We do depend on people coming and staying in the quiet time so it’s a vital time for us.

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"Every customer I describe as an angel, now they’re a Godsend.

Shoppers return to Blackpool for the first weekend after LockdownShoppers return to Blackpool for the first weekend after Lockdown
Shoppers return to Blackpool for the first weekend after Lockdown

“Engagement with people is huge for a shop like this, being able to have a laugh and a joke, meeting people offering suggestions, looking for cool stuff.

“It’s a fun environment. We’ve built that up over many, many years - it’s an experience in the brand we’ve created and that is crucial when trying to explain the importance of supporting local traders. If you can, buy just one thing independently.”

Many business owners remain optimistic for the lifting of constraints after December 16, which they say will be imperative for trade moving forward. There are signs people are willing to venture out but the limitations mean shoppers are still driven to online purchasing .

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Owner of long established fine jewellers Leonard Dews Michael Hyman says whilst they have heavily invested in their online marketplace with a new sophisticated website he is confident there will be a ‘resurgence in the independent retail sector.’

He said the pandemic had given all business owners an opportunity for reflection and time for future assessment in how to deliver their services. Mr Hymen has brought back all his staff to the shop in the run-up to Christmas.

“It was essential in developing our new website that it was interactive which was completely in touch with the specialised knowledge and quality of service within in our whole team.

Mark Yates, owner of Brooks Collectables in Waterloo Road is urging people to support local businesses in the run up to ChristmasMark Yates, owner of Brooks Collectables in Waterloo Road is urging people to support local businesses in the run up to Christmas
Mark Yates, owner of Brooks Collectables in Waterloo Road is urging people to support local businesses in the run up to Christmas

“It is set up that way so even in lockdown we could run a click and collect service and through our social media engage with our customers. We still had that presence.

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“What is important is how to balance this with the shop and really in getting that message out that retail is back open. We are so very grateful to our longstanding customers who have come back time and time again.

“It is through that and the shopping experience we provide that means we remain a beacon on the high street in Blackpool.

“These are extremely hard times, we’ve seen in the last five weeks just how shops are shrinking in vast numbers but I think what we might see happen is a resurgence for independant businesses because we are all so determined to try.”

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