‘Shop local and help us to survive’ urge Calderdale businesses during run up to Christmas

Business owners in the borough have faced unprecedented challenges during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But it hoped that the re-opening of shops after the second national lockdown will mean vital income for retailers to see them into next year.

Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, CEO at The Piece Hall Trust, said: “It was wonderful to welcome back so many of our valued customers to The Piece Hall last week. Our reopening went really well, and we would like to thank everyone who came out to support our independent retailers. The support was truly overwhelming.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to our wonderful tenants for their resilience and determination throughout these uncertain circumstances. The Piece Hall Trust team worked really hard to make the space as festive as possible and we were really heartened by the lovely comments and responses we received.

“We offer a safe, outdoor, festive environment with the ability to shop local for gifts this year. We very much welcome visitors to continue supporting us and our fantastic local traders throughout this all-important lead-up to Christmas.”

Tracy Harvey, managing director of Harvey’s of Halifax, said: “I am delighted that we have been given the green light to re-open the majority of our store. It has been a very worrying time but the last fews days have been incredibly positive with people coming out to do their Christmas shopping.

“The atmosphere has really been lovely, customers are just so happy to be out and about again. All previous safety measures are still very much in place but we’re all so used to this now that it is not causing any issues.

“I am looking forward to the review on December 16 and keeping my fingers crossed that we may be able to re-open the restaurant before Christmas. Halifax is so lucky to have so many fabulous independent shops and I, for one, will be supporting as many as I can with my Christmas gift buying this year.”

Mark Richardson, owner of Loafers in the Piece Hall, said: “It’s a case of independents now getting through the winter with the vaccine on the horizon, which is really exciting, really positive, and then making the most of Spring onwards next year. We adapted to have more of an online presence, and our website’s been really busy, so that’s really helped us. If businesses can adapt, or have adapted, they will benefit from that and the customers will follow them online. But it’s hard work, it’s constant and it’s a looming worry in the back of our minds.”

Mark added: “We have got one of the most beautiful destinations in the world here with the Piece Hall, it’s unique, it’s beautiful, it’s got culture. Everyone in this place is working so hard for their business to survive, but also to put food on their kids’ table at Christmas and presents under the tree.
“You need that money to come in so we can enjoy a Christmas and then hopefully our businesses are still going in 2021.

“It’s a case of keeping the culture alive that we’ve got in the town, because it’s amazing, but remembering that we’re all family businesses that want to survive, want to provide something unique and different in the town but also to support our families. If everybody just goes to Costa, the White Rose, Starbucks, HMV and Amazon, all our businesses will suffer. We all need an online shop every now and then but for the future and sustainability of Halifax, and all these beautiful businesses, it’s key to support people.”

Lesley Adams, Co-Chair of the Brighouse BID steering group and owner of Simply Flowers, said: “Although we came straight out of national lockdown into tier three, the shops in Brighouse have adapted their strategies to continue selling into the Christmas period, whether in store or online. Many of us are seeing a great reception to new online initiatives from our local community.

“For me, personally, I’ve been delighted to have such a fantastic reaction to my Christmas wreath making workshops which are now delivered by zoom.

“Never would I have thought this time last year I would teaching my regular customers wreath design online, but we’ve evolved and its proved to be a hit.

“Information on how each business in Brighouse is operating is available on social media and the LoyalFree app, with most shops open for business and offering click and collect or delivery services which gives the community the ability to shop safely.

“Over the past few days we’ve seen strong footfall on the high street, which is exactly the response we had hoped for. It’s wonderful to see people pulling together and shopping local.

“We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to reopen the town centre again but we need public support more than ever now to ensure Brighouse thrives and survives in the New Year, so any switch you can make, whether its shopping for festive foods or unique Christmas gifts, please take a look at local independent shops and discover some of the wonders they have on offer.”

Alison Bartram, from the Hebden Bridge Business Forum and owner of the Heart Gallery, said: “It’s been an incredible re-opening both here at Heart Gallery and for all our small independents in Hebden Bridge. There is a hefty appetite to shop local and support us all which is extremely encouraging.

“It is, however, bitter sweet with our hospitality remaining closed for now but I’m sure the support they receive when they can open their doors will be overwhelming.

“Many of our regular customers have been delighted to be ‘set free’ to shop physically; thoroughly enjoying the festive atmosphere and parting with ‘real’ money they refused to spend online whilst they waited patiently at home for us all to be allowed to re-open.

“The Festive Fandango incentive to shop in HX7, organised by Hebden Bridge Business Forum and financed this year by Hebden Royd Town Council, really does get customers excited about supporting local businesses. It uses the Totally Locally simple message of spending just £5 in 5 separate shops to spread the love and customers also have a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.

“Our small businesses have gone above and beyond with the safety precautions put in place; numbers are restricted inside shops with plenty of hand sanitation available and one way markings to help make customers feel safe and confident to return. They have also made a huge creative effort to look festive for this small three week shopping window and are relying on locals and visitors to shop and spend locally. They need this support to help them survive the quieter months that lie ahead.

“The ‘Loyal to Local’ message is a strong one and one we hope is not just for Christmas!”