Tills are ringing in Bridgwater as shoppers snap up sales (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Tills are ringing in Bridgwater as shoppers snap up sales

5:10pm Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News

“MORE people are supporting our town”, says a Bridgwater trader after Christmas and Boxing Day sales raked in the cash.

With the New Year upon us, the Mercury caught up with high street traders to see if the festive period worked its magic on sales.

Samantha Warren, manager of Superdrug, said: “People can be negative about trade in Bridgwater but we’ve had lots of new customers this year, as well as our regulars.

“I think more people have committed to local trade and are supporting our town. We’ve had a really good year and I hope it will continue into 2013.”

Angela Notaro, manager of Burton, said: “Sales are up on last year and Boxing Day trade is up by 4%. We’re very pleased.

“I think it’s because we’ve had a really good stock package. People have also been buying later rather than earlier.

“Customers have been buying DVDs, CDs, underwear and fullpriced clothing as well as sale items.

“We also launched a ‘click and collect’ service which has been successful.”

But Ros Shiels, joint manager of Bridgwater Books, told the Mercury: “I think sales are slightly down on last year and this is probably due to internet shopping.

“Our business is not online and people are using the internet to find cheaper deals.

“We have competition from grocery stores, which stock mainstream books, and WHSmith."

However, despite the competition Ros says the business is still doing well.