Shoppers expected to rush into Town to bag a bargain

Retailers are well into their preparations and said they are grateful to islanders for continuing to buy local amid difficult financial times.

‘The last couple of weekends have been busy and we once again really thank the local customer base who make an effort to shop with us,’ said Creasey’s managing director Jonathan Creasey.

‘The last two years have been of really high importance in keeping Guernsey’s pound in circulation.’

He said that despite inflation levels hitting record highs and the cost of living shooting up, islanders still seemed to be keen to get out and do their shopping.

‘It’s difficult to gauge this year – we don’t think we have seen the impact we thought we would. We must remind ourself that we are still not at UK levels, we aren’t at 12% inflation. Employment levels are high and Guernsey still finds itself in a good position.’

Creasey’s sale starts on Tuesday 27 December, and Mr Creasey said there will be bargains to be had.

‘I suspect Town will be very busy, it’s a great social day, and it falls on a day when fortunately not many people are at work,’ said Mr Creasey.

Nautilus launched its sale before Christmas but is still expecting lots of customers to come through the door in the week before New Year.

‘The big difference this year compared to last year is we weren’t selling any evening or occasion wear. This year we are selling a lot of Christmas and occasion wear,’ said shop owner Matt Cable.

‘On the whole with clothing, it’s not something people buy as presents unless they know the particular size and what people like. What normally happens this week is people have spent a ton of money on others and they want to buy something for themselves.’

Korinne Le Page, head of retail development at Guernsey Retail Group, thanked islanders for supporting local shops.

‘Many retailers, island-wide, have reported to us that they are happy with pre-Christmas sales,’ she said.

‘If this is an indication of the healthy position of retail in Guernsey, then that bodes well for next week’s sales, which are traditionally popular and also with those who want to spend Christmas vouchers. On behalf of retailers, we are grateful to islanders for choosing to buy locally and for their ongoing support and patronage.’