Guernsey Press

‘Help retailers – shop local this Christmas’

TOWN RETAILERS are promising a magical Christmas shopping experience.

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Left to right, Russ Fossey, Fiona Copeland, Ian McLaughlin, Shaun Mechem, Wendy Salmon, Emma Robins and Benjamin Mansell, representing the Guernsey Arts Commission, ‘Evie and Me’, Marks and Spencer, Creaseys and Paperchase. (Picture provided by the Guernsey Retail Group)

There will be four late-night Thursday shopping dates, starting this Thursday, with most shops open until 9pm.

There is also a special opening day on Sunday 20 December, giving shoppers the chance to do some last-minute shopping before the big day.

The Guernsey Retail Group is encouraging islanders to shop local this Christmas.

Wild Orchid, The Outlet, Trespass, X&Y Designer Showroom, and Health Connections are all new additions to Town.

The Christmas lights switch-on last Saturday gained international attention because Guernsey was fortunate to be one of the only places in Europe to be able to host a public celebration with Santa.

Thousands of people were in Market Square to mark the occasion, and yesterday afternoon a video clip posted on the Guernsey Press Facebook site had been viewed nearly 60,000 times.

Retailers are hoping to build on Saturday’s success, and Jonathan Creasey, the chair of the group, said they were looking forward to the late-night shopping events.

‘They’re a favourite in the Guernsey calendar and help the island to get into the Christmas spirit.

‘We’re fortunate that our Town Centre is attracting new retailers, and this year alone we’ve seen a number of new shops open. We really hope that the #GuernseyTogether spirit that we’ve seen this year will continue into the festive season and that people shop local this Christmas and support our great Guernsey retailers.

‘Retail not only plays an important role in our economy by creating jobs but is also part of many people’s day-to-day life creating healthy environments for social interaction which is perhaps more important than ever this year.’

There will be a market in the old Market Buildings where local producers will be selling their wares.

The Guernsey Arts Commission has arranged for musicians to play at every late-night shopping.

Russ Fossey, head of arts development, said they were looking forward to spreading festive joy.

‘We are delighted to be coordinating the busking activity, adding vibrancy throughout St Peter Port and encourage the public to acknowledge their appreciation and support local creative businesses and local artists this Christmas.’

Motorists will be allowed to park in the port permit spaces opposite the White Rock cafe and at Sir Charles Frossard House on the late-night Thursdays and Saturdays during the festive season.