BUSINESS OWNERS in Whitchurch have enjoyed a soaring trade this Christmas as shoppers pour into the town from further afield to enjoy its independent retailers.
Businesses are looking to make the most of demand over the Christmas period before the quiet months in January.
For Make Your House A Home owner Sharron Marriott, this year has been even better than last year.
She said: "Trade has been really good and I am really pleased.
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"I am probably about 10 percent up on last year which is really good.
"I have got a lot of people from Wrexham, Nantwich, Chester and Shrewsbury. I think Whitchurch is definitely getting recognised more for its independent businesses.
"A lot of people realise there is a lot more here."
Since she opened the shop in 2017, Sharron has put on nibbles and mulled wine for customers – and says the gesture is well received.
She said: "I think it is just nice to thank people.
"As an independent business if you thank people and appreciate their support, you will have repeat businesses and it will keep your business strong."
Stella Ashbrook from MOO and BOOM said good Christmas trade will help in early next year when people usually spend less money.
"We need to trade well now because this will help us through January and February," she said
"We can't complain, we have been very well supported and we are happy.
"We have a lot of customers who come from outside.
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"I do a lot of outside advertising and it does bring people into the town.
"It doesn't just benefit me, it benefits all the other businesses."
Gallery Flowers Owner, Jenny Mchale, said she has been busy since early November.
She explained: "Normally, I buy my wreaths and they are ready for the first week in December.
"I had to buy them to be delivered in the second week in November because people wanted them early.
"It has been like that ever since. We have received people come from Nottingham, Leominster, London and Manchester.
"There have been so many new faces and people have been using Whitchurch as a meeting place.
"People are loving all the shops and variety here. I think Whitchurch is almost like a new place to go because it is so nice now."
Homefolk owner, Lucy Young spoke about recent weekends which were busy and how people from outside Whitchurch are pleased with the independent shops in the town.
She said: "I think people have left it a little bit longer to buy presents but the last couple of weekends have been busy.
"It is great to see a lot more people milling around.
"You hope you have enough business to help you last the next couple of months.
"We get a lot of people saying there is not much in their own town centres and they are coming for the independent shops."
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