Sunday 20th December will see Guernsey’s town shops opening their doors to give islanders an extra day of Christmas shopping ahead of the big day; this follows a successful month of late-night shopping Thursdays.
This year has seen people make a concerted effort to shop local where possible, supporting local retailers to ensure that they survive what’s been a particularly difficult year. It’s thanks to the hard work of the Guernsey Retail Group and the Guernsey Arts Commission along with the generous support of the sponsors – Collas Crill, The Channel Islands’ Co-operative, Creasey’s, Escape, Gower Financial Services, Kleinwort Hambros, PWC, Savills, States of Guernsey and Sure – that the late-night shopping evenings have gone ahead, and have been able to include the Petit Train park and ride.
Jonathan Creasey, Chairman of the Guernsey Retail Group, says: “All the local retailers are so grateful to the islanders who have made an effort to support Guernsey businesses and shops all over the island this festive season.
“On Sunday a lot of the retailers are open for business for a little last-minute present shopping, so come down and make the most of it. It really does make a difference and will help ensure that we continue to have a high street that will hopefully thrive and continue to grow. It’s been fantastic to have been able to support the Petit Train this year, something which we hope will continue”.
2020 saw at least three new boutiques open their doors both pre- and post-lockdown, making this their first Christmas open for business, so the local support has been especially important for them.
Matt Grange, owner of The Outlet, commented: “We opened up just after lockdown was lifted which was a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s been a great success. As retailers we know that there are some things that you can only get online, but all we ask is that you shop local where you can, which we’ve definitely seen this year. We hope that this Guernsey Together spirit continues so that we can encourage more retailers to join us on the high street”.
The late-night shopping evenings have also given some of our more musical islanders the chance to perform and earn a little extra money through busking. Dotted throughout town, they’ve stood out in the cold playing and singing to add to the Christmas atmosphere.
