"December is the big one" - Calderdale retailers counting on festive boost in trade this Christmas

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has been exacerbated by this year's soaring energy and fuel prices, affecting businesses and customers across the borough.

But business owners hope a tough year has a positive end in sight.

Tracy Harvey, managing director of Harveys of Halifax, said: "We are really hoping for a bumper Christmas following what has been a tough couple of years. Customers are now getting used to the new road layout around Bull Green and the on-street parking around Rawson, Powell and Commercial Streets are being well used.

"I am delighted that after two years of serious decline, footfall is now increasing at a good rate – there is still a long way to go to get back to 2024 levels but things are definitely improving.

"We’ve also opened two new departments within the store recently to ensure that we have something new and exciting to show those customers that only visit us at Christmas.

"Our new Only and Apricot fashion unit on Commercial Street is proving extremely popular and our new gifting department, off Powell Street, is surpassing all expectations.

"The next eight weeks are the most important time for any retailer when the sales we deliver make the difference between profit and loss. But its also the time that’s most fun – when we really show what we’re about as an independent retailer.

"We offer our customers a fantastic choice of famous brands in a pleasant environment, price match, within certain parameters, and even gift wrap. It’s a place where spending your hard earned money makes a difference and allows us to keep investing in the Halifax shopping experience and in local people’s jobs."

Michelle Dodds celebrated the first anniversary of opening her Hebden Bridge homeware shop Bean and Bemble on October 18.

"We're still a relatively new addition to Hebden Bridge's high street. It's certainly been an interesting first year!," she said.

"I've spoken to many other independent shop owners in Hebden Bridge who have said footfall has been down this year, with some describing it as their worst year of trading.

"I think the economy and the weather have both played a part, and whilst it's been challenging at times, I have absolutely no regrets about opening the shop. I always knew it would take time to establish ourselves and build a regular customer base, and I'm really excited about the future.

"I’ve received such wonderful feedback.

"Looking back at last December, it was by far our strongest month of trading, so I'm really looking forward to the festive season and hopefully another busy Christmas!

"I think shopping locally is incredibly important. Independent businesses give towns like Hebden Bridge their character, and even choosing to buy a few Christmas presents locally can make a real difference. We're lucky to have such a wonderful mix of independent shops here, and I'd love to see the high street thriving this Christmas and beyond."

Calder Cheesehouse is an independent cheesemonger with a shop in Todmorden trading since 2019, and opened a stall in Halifax borough market last year

Owner Jay Hickson said: "Christmas is the focus of the retail year in the cheese business, in a tough year my entire annual income has been from Christmas trading.

"We're quite well established in Todmorden so can see the patterns over the year and can take the rough with the smooth, this year has had some challenging times - the heatwaves are very problematic for refrigerated stock and for the fridges themselves. Staff costs increase each year and are a large outgoing for the business.

"Halifax Borough Market has its own challenges; footfall could be better and later opening hours on the run up to Christmas would be beneficial.

"Halifax has been devastated by roadworks since we started trading in the market, they move about and we're not hearing as many complaints about them at the moment, but there is no real end in sight.

"Older customers mention that the bus stops used to be very convenient for the market, now they don't visit as often as the Bus Station is a longer walk for them.

"Christmas trade is very important for us - 11 months of the year are about building our reputation and customer base, December is the big one."