Llandudno businesses reporting upturn in business

Dec 30 2010 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

BUSINESSES in Llandudno are reporting a surge in sales, after what is being described as one the quietest Christmases in living memory.

On Monday when temperatures had risen to what seemed like a balmy seven Celsius, shoppers were once again out in force in the town.

During the freezing weather, a lot of the streets were desolate despite it being a week before Christmas.

Roy Murphy, customer services advisor, at the Victoria Centre, was breathing a sigh of relief.

He said: “On Monday and Tuesday shops in the centre were busy.

“People were even queuing to get into the Next sale at 5am.

“Boots and the Game shop have also been very busy.

“Last week was a different story because of the weather, but this week is as busy as last year.”

Claire Hayward, store manager of the family owned Clare's Department Store, said for the first time in her life she was thankful for rain.

“We are really busy, people are at last getting out and about.

“I think a lot of people are just thankful to get out of their four walls, as some people just haven’t been able to go anywhere because of the ice and snow.

“It has been a really nice start to our sale, and people generally seem to be in a good mood.”

She added: “I think a lot of people are buying some of lines for next Christmas such as cards and wrapping paper, other have been spending gift cards and Christmas money.”

Glen Hughes, who owns the children’s shop Urchins, in St George’s Place, was also pleased.

“Things have picked up, I don’t think people are buying late Christmas presents they are just looking for bargains.

“A lot of regulars are coming in, including tourists who stay in the local hotels who always come in.

“I’m pleased because I genuinely think Christmas week was the quietest it has even been for the last 25 years.

“The streets were sometimes just desolate.”