TRADERS in the region are enjoying a more successful Christmas shopping season than elsewhere, it has been claimed.
National figures released yesterday show shop sales figures fell by 0.4 per cent in November from the previous month, despite it being a traditionally strong shopping period.
The national trends for high street shopping are being blamed on a vast increase in the number of people shopping online.
Isobel Watson, Wrexham town centre manager, said: “The situation in Wrexham is incredibly varied.
“Some of the larger businesses nationally are giving profit warnings and the situation they have is being reflected locally.
“On the other hand, some of our local independent traders, like the ones on High Street and Charles Street, are doing well and having a good run-up to Christmas.
“People are still trying to have a good Christmas even though they are having to budget more for it.”
Kevin Critchley, manager of Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre, reported a positive sales period for the centre.
He said: “We have had some very positive results and some particularly good sales figures reported.
“I believe we are probably contradicting national trends here and the number of people coming to shop here has been excellent.”
Kim Sheridan, owner of Just Tea and Coffee in Wrexham High Street and deputy chairman of Wrexham Town Centre Forum, said: “In general terms, it’s been a slow year in Wrexham but traders here are doing a lot better than many other towns.
“However, we have had a tough year which has only started to get better in the run-up to Christmas.
“Without Christmas things would have been very difficult.
“In trading terms what we want is to have Christmas every week.”
Cllr Matt Wright, Flintshire Council’s executive member for regeneration and tourism, believes sales in the county have been good due to a lack of empty shops.
Figures show just five per cent of premises in Mold are vacant, less than half the national average of 11 per cent.
Lee Heywood, 36, a supervisor at Jotter, said: “I think business has been the same as most years.
“We haven't noticed any real difference, even with the current economic climate.”
Marc Brimfield, 28, supervisor at The Works, said: “I wouldn’t say it’s affected us much at all.
“Business has started earlier this year as people are trying to catch bargains and avoid the bad weather.”
Declan Mayo, 23, supervisor at Yeomans said: “This week we’re better off than last year. The company has tried to accommodate for the current economic climate by bringing in bargains. People want more value for money.”
Lisa Roberts, 32, manager at Textiles Direct, said: “It's definitely been quieter this year
“Pound shops and discount shops are taking the business from markets and specialist stores.
“All the same type of stores are opening in the area and it’s not good for the town.”