Arcade marks 200 years with push to boost footfall

Sofi Noakes says preserving the site is key for the future of the arcade

Shop owners in Guernsey are offering "new experiences" at the arcade in St Peter Port, as the area marks its 200th anniversary.

Traders at Guernsey's Commercial Arcade are holding a street party on Tuesday, including food, drink and a poetry exhibition to boost shoppers' experiences.

Sofi Noakes, events manager for the arcade, told the BBC it was important to "preserve the history" of the site and "make sure it lives on".

Prof Sarah Montano, professor of retail marketing at Birmingham Business School, said the "moment economy" could hold the key to counteracting online competition. She added it was about creating "memorable times" for the community.

Tour guide Eric Grimsley says keeping purchases on-island is important

She said: "Certainly what customers are looking for is experiences. Why? Because that's something you cannot get online."

She described it as a "hugely challenging time" for retailers, but said High Streets were in the unique position to offer "immediate transactions" and the ability to "build communities".

Ms Noakes said traders were embracing this philosophy.

She added "people may not come out to buy things but they will come out for experiences, to celebrate with each other, celebrate with families and spend time with loved ones".

Art Allen-O'Leary, retailer, said the legacy of the site "should not be left to wither" and urged people to take photographs to mark the milestone so when vacant shops were filled and back to full capacity people "can look back" to see how it was in 2025.

He urged retailers and shoppers to share their views on what was "missing" and what people would like to see in town.

Kelvin Whelan, owner of Writer's Block, said the arcade was "still going strong" and was to be celebrated.

"I think online shopping is great for buying things if you know what you're looking for.

"If you don't and you want to spend time browsing, meeting friends... the arcade is the perfect place to do that."

He said it should be "used as an experience" and that the arcade "did experience really well".

Meanwhile, tour guide Eric Grimsley said the High Street was "a lot better" than some of those in England in terms of shops being open.

"Anything that can be done to open up the area and keep it viable I think is worthwhile.

"What's killed the trade really is online purchases and I think the more we can keep it on-island and keep the money on the island is worthwhile."