Christmas events boost shopper numbers in Truro

Harry Stacey started selling to Christmas shoppers in October

Special events in the weeks leading up to Christmas are being credited with boosting the numbers of people visiting Truro.

Footfall in Cornwall's capital was up nearly 14% year on year in the week to the 17 December, according to figures from Truro Business Improvement District (BID).

The city put on a Festive Friday event in November with a lights switch on, and there has been late night shopping every Wednesday and bigger Saturday markets.

Retailers said the signs have been good, but it was too early to say whether 2023 would prove to be a bumper Christmas.

"Nice and busy"

At Harry's Toy Store, on Victoria Square, business has been brisk since October.

Owner Harry Stacey says Lego lovers and fans of retro toys seem to want to secure their gifts early.

"I think there was always that thing that after Covid would be the big rush, and then it would get quieter. But I think the opposite, nice and busy and hopefully we can continue."

Kimberly Oram said business was currently good

It's been a slower start for Kimberly Oram, the owner of Joli Boutique which sells jewellery and crystals.

"The Christmas pick up definitely started a few weeks after I would have expected it. And I got a distinct impression people were waiting for that November payday. But then we got there and it feels more normal now. "

"More considered purchases"

At lifestyle store Uneeka, owner Carrina Tytheridge said it had definitely been busier than last Christmas but the cost of living was still an issue.

"I think the trend this year is more considered purchases. People are really thinking about what they're doing, which hopefully is going to bring people into the town more because they want to go and have a look at it, feel it, touch it, and sort of get involved with the festive spirit."

Alun Jones, from Truro BID, said while the increase in Christmas customer footfall last week was nearly double that seen across the south west, the statistics for the year see it below both the UK and regional average at just 1.4% above 2022.

"What this suggests is that whilst we trail the south west region on year to date growth we are clawing back with our recent Christmas collective activities in Truro."