Some say it draws attention away from permanent businesses while others praise the fact it brings extra shoppers into the town centre.
Bournemouth Market is ready to return from November 12 bringing visitors to The Square until 31 December where they can find the market, lodge, festive trail and an ice rink. Locals describe it as one of the biggest events of the year and believe that Bournemouth becomes very vibrant and bright town.
As the town prepares for the festive season, Bobby’s have different expectations of what the Christmas market will mean to local shops.
One of the independent shop owners at Bobby’s, Harry Woolson Home, is experiencing his first Christmas here. He has been facing challenges during this time of the year including building work going on in the surrounding area. He also believes that the Christmas market could draw attention away from other businesses. Woolson said the market “takes spotlight away from other local sellers and businesses”.
On the other hand, Sarah Ward who is another independent retailer at Bobby’s has a positive outlook. She is looking forward to the festive period and is expecting “lots of zeroes in her bank account”. Ward calls Christmas the “golden time of the year” as it draws a lot of attention to town centre as the market makes people get out of their homes and walk around shops.
However, Ward said independent retailers face another significant challenge of competition from online shopping. She explained that since the Covid-19 lockdown during 2020 many customers now prefer shopping online and it makes it harder for traditional high street businesses to attract buyers.
The contrasting experience highlights the challenges that independent shop owners experience during busy seasonal events. While the Christmas market may bring people down to Bournemouth town centre it doesn’t mean that visitors will be open to explore the independent shops beyond the festive area.
For local retailers, the upcoming weeks will reveal whether the festive crowds will increase sales or whether the benefit of visitors will be represented only for the market itself.
For local shops, the main hope is that people are visiting the Christmas market and will also take time to explore other shops.
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