Town centre traders’ bid for Christmas business boost

Traders have teamed up for a series of measures to boost their pre-Christmas business and urged festive present-buyers to “shopping locally.”

The rallying cry was sounded ahead of Small Business Saturday, a drive to encourage people to ditch shopping malls for the high street.

The range of presents available in the town centre has been highlighted with the town centre’s first ever gift guide, which showcases over 90 gift ideas.

In a link-up between the council’s retail investment team and traders, 40,000 copies of the guide have been distributed around the borough.

This Christmas also sees the return of the free gift wrapping and personal shopping service.

B&M have provided the retail unit on College Street for free free of charge, whilst Wilkinson’s and The Works have donating both the wrapping paper and materials. McDonalds have helped supply branded T-shirts, while The Source on High Street is set to run the service.

A council spokesman said: “Shopping locally is not just good for your pocket, it’s good for the local economy.

“That’s the message Rotherham shoppers are being urged to remember in the run up to Christmas.

“Research shows that for every £1 spent with local independent retailers then up to 70p is retained within the local economy, compared to only 40p spent with national retailers.”

Small Business Saturday will see shops offering a weekend of promotions to reward loyal shoppers and tempt in new ones with offers, discounts and free-gifts in stores.

Council leader Cllr Roger Stone said: “We have seen a number of improvements across Rotherham town centre in recent years, both to the physical environment and the quality of the shopping experience, and these improvements have gained national recognition.

“Rotherham is a great place to shop and we have some fine independent local retailers that deserve your support, especially in the run up to Christmas.

“By shopping locally we help keep the wealth within the Rotherham area which benefits everybody.”

Bernadette Rushton, retail investment manager for the council, added: “Initiatives such as the Gift Guide and Small Business Saturday are great example of how we can all come together in the Town Centre.

“Throughout the year we have worked with the retailers and market traders on a number of activities, such as taking the high street on the road to Parkgate, the Rotherham Show and to major Rotherham employers.

“We have responded to the ideas and suggestions from businesses for the Christmas promotional activities and have been delighted at the offers of support.

“They are already commenting on the fantastic feedback and brilliant response they're getting from shoppers, and the message is certainly getting out there that Rotherham town centre has a lot to offer shoppers, especially this Christmas."

The council has re-introduced its free weekend parking scheme in the run-up to Christmas, with free Saturday parking added to the existing arrangement of not charging on Sunday.

Rotherham's town centre team is trying to tempt Christmas shoppers with free Saturday parking and festive events like with the Victorian market this weekend. Where will you be doing your shopping? Visit our poll