Award-winning independent greeting card retailer, Romantica is joining forces with multiple retailer Next as part of an initiative to boost Christmas trade for both parties through a Christmas ‘market’ at the multiple’s Cribbs Causeway store this weekend coming (16-17 December).
Nik Gornall, the co-owner of the Romantica stores in Bristol was approached by a sales manager of the Next Home & Garden store at the Cribbs Causeway shopping centre (located on the outskirts of Bristol) inviting him to be part of a Christmas ‘market’ within the store to add an independent flavour.
Nik said that he was “dubious at first” about the sound of the proposed event, but was impressed by how the Next exec had done her homework about which indies to approach about operating stalls at the Christmas fair.
As to the attraction of the initiative Nik told PG Buzz: “Cribbs is a massive shopping centre packed with huge brand name shops and there is no way any independent could compete with the sky-high rents. For Next to welcome local independents is an admirable gesture, especially with just a nominal charge which nowhere near covers their costs.”
Romantica will be one of 12 quality businesses who have been selected to participate, which will be offering a mixture cards, wrap, gifts, handmade products and food items.
“Of course there will be a benefit to Next with the increased footfall through its store, but in our challenging retail world it is a very welcome initiative,” commented Nik.
Nik feels that in his experience, this year’s Christmas trade is “Undoubtedly down on last year. We have seen a marked year on year reduction in both footfall and spend in all but two months since the Brexit vote. This is in line with previous periods of uncertainty over the years but this one just doesn’t appear to have an end.”
Nik is fearful that the difficult trading conditions will continue to take its toll on the high street. Gloucester Street, where two of his shops are located has seen an 70% increase in business rates. “We are already seeing empty shops stay empty and the word on the street is that many more are facing an increasingly uncertain future,” said Nik.
Located in part of a Business Improvement District, Nik recognises that efforts are being made to encourage festive frolics and increase footfall.
“Some of the initiatives are really great – we have art banners along the road, a shoppers’ map and various Christmas events lined up. Gloucester Road in Bristol is the longest street of independent shops in the country – we just need more people to come and appreciate what it offers!”
