Christmas shoppers bring mixed fortunes for Rotherham businesses

While takings were down for some on previous years, shops across Rotherham town centre said December had provided a much-needed seasonal boost to their business.

Keith and Dawn Topliss, owners of Craft Corner & the Bear's Den in the Riverside Precinct said sales were building back up following a major refit in the wake of a fire in November.

Dawn said: “The general sales volume is reduced over the last year. It's not been too bad but it’s definitely down on recent years.”

But Mark Brown, of Brown’s Butchers, said this December had been the best in his three years of trading.

“It’s been brilliant,” he said. “I can’t put my finger on why but I guess it takes a while to get established and they always say three years is your make or break.

"The footfall’s a lot bigger at Christmas, at least 20 per cent up on the rest of the year.”