The fact that few of us are likely to be venturing beyond UK shores this year for our holidays should signal a bonanza time for retailers located in UK hotspots – and the picturesque North Yorkshire town of Knaresborough is up there on the ‘must visit’ list.
Ditching its passport, PG Buzz was Yorkshire bound to find out how Rachael Barnes, co-owner of Dragonfly Cards & Gifts in Knaresborough is feeling about the wave of staycationers in her part of the world.
Over to Rachael to share her holiday notes…
“We have a fairly mixed view as to how staycationers will affect our trade to be honest. We find visitors don’t spend an awful lot. They come and laugh at the funny cards, ask for directions, best cafe advice etc but don’t actually buy that much. It is really the hospitality venues that benefit from the tourist trade.
The one exception is visitors with young children, as they want to add to an ever growing soft toy collection. Ty Beanies and Squish Mallows in particular at the moment are what they want to part with their money for!
We also find that locals stay away at the weekends at the moment as town is full of tourists, so it actually means we are quieter on a Saturday than we would be ordinarily. It doesn’t help with having to limit numbers in the shop to allow for social distancing. If we get one group of visitors in, our locals get fed up queuing outside while the visitors browse. Our bread and butter is very much our locals trade, we couldn’t survive on visitors alone.”
What are you doing to capitalise on the UK holiday mood?
“We have added a shelf in our window showcasing all things Knaresborough – postcards, greeting cards, magnets, keyrings etc. Little souvenirs that visitors can take home.
Our cards by John Potter Photography are particularly popular with locals to show off our beautiful area, sending them to family and friends elsewhere in the country. Visitors buy a few greeting cards, but mainly postcards. We have an artist’s impression of Knaresborough by Emma Ball, as a postcard, magnet and keyring, which is a nice alternative to a traditional photograph.”
What would be your ‘must visit’ tip for those visiting Knaresborough?
“A walk through the castle grounds to view the viaduct, and a visit to all of the wonderful independent shops we have in town.”
If there was a magic carpet waiting (and no pandemic) where would you want to go?
“Marrakesh in Morocco – it looks so vibrant, full of colour and wonderful food. We had a trip booked 13 years ago when I fell pregnant with my daughter and was advised not to go on health grounds. I still haven’t made it there, but hopefully will do one day!”
Top: An atmospheric image of Knaresborough.
