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Search forRetford town centre business bucking the trend
Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 00:00
It appears shoppers could be choosing to stay closer to home and visit the town's stores rather than spending money on fuel and venturing further afield.
AW Bacon and Sons on Carolgate is one business which says despite the downturn in sales nationally, it has experienced an actual increase in those choosing to spend locally.
Director of the family firm Ron Bacon said the shop had become steadily busier over the last few weeks.
"With the credit crunch as it is people are stopping in Retford to shop, especially on Saturdays. The last three Saturday's have been tremendous," he said
"I know petrol prices have fallen, but people are still watching their pennies."
Mr Bacon said he estimated trade over the last three Saturdays had increased by around 10 per cent.
"I just hope it keeps on. I am sure people are not going to go out of town, I think they will stay in Retford to save money.
"They can get everything they want here in town," he added.
The owner of The Bay Tree cafe bar on The Wharf, Carolgate, Louise Copcutt, said while the company had not seen a particularly increase in trade, it was not down on last year.
And she hoped people in Retford would continue to shop locally, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
"I am hoping Retford will benefit from people wanting to shop locally, especially at Christmas, and avoid going to places such as Meadowhall," she said.
Town centres manager Russell Slater said: "It is really encouraging to hear that people are increasingly choosing to shop locally in Retford and helping the town to buck the economic slowdown.
"In many respects this replicates what is being seen elsewhere with major out of town centres seeing decreasing footfall as consumers try to cut down on car usage due to the high cost of fuel.
"It may surprise some of the newer visitors to Retford just what delights the town has to offer."
He added: "With a good range of both national retailers and independent shops, together with a fantastic traditional market in a lovely setting, why would people want to go anywhere else?"
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