ASHBOURNE’S traders say their year has ended on a high note after a busy festive period helped boost sales at the end of a turbulent 2011.
The News Telegraph has been speaking to businesses in the town who say Christmas was a bumper season for them — especially following the harsh winter of 2010.
Last year, temperatures as low as minus 15°C and heavy snow drove customers away from the town at what should have been its busiest time of the year. Increasing pressure on high street shops throughout the country had left retailers desperate for an up-turn in trade.
John Harrison, owner of Acorn Country Store in Horse and Jockey Yard, said: “For December we are very pleased with the sales. They are up from the same time last year and we’ve made a strong start to the sales.
“We also put Christmas lights up on Horse and Jockey Yard.
“It cost us £1,000 in electricity during December but I was happy to fund it if it helps the town and it helps us.” Steve Parker, who runs Natural Choice in St John Street, said takings over the festive period were his highest since 2009.
“I think the town has been really busy. There have been more visitors than last year and we’ve had better weather.” Matthew Green, assistant manager of Mind in St John Street, said: “Sales have been a lot better than last year. We were up on targets in the weeks coming up to Christmas.
“Christmas Eve was very busy and one of the best we have had here when we expected it to be quite quiet.” Mick Hulme, of AL Hulme Fishmongers in Church Street, said: “This Christmas has been a decent one. We have been very busy during December and given the economic circumstances I can’t complain.” Philip Brown, 23, working in The Ashbourne Bookshop in Dig Street, said: “During the Christmas period sales were really good and the town as a whole was really busy.
“The late night shopping was a brilliant idea.
“Trade on the whole has been brilliant and we have lots of three for- the-price-of-two offers still on.”
