'Worst Christmas trade I've had in 10 years': Channel Island shop owners lament low sales

Taken from pkg aired 20.12.24
Shop keepers issue a warning to islanders saying 'use us or lose us' as the high street struggles with a downturn in festive sales this year. Credit: ITV Channel

The owner of the oldest shop in Jersey says it's been their worst-ever Christmas trading period - down 50% on last year.

The Red Triangle in St Helier's Central Market says they've seen a significant drop in footfall.

Shop owner Sheila Baudains: "This is the worst Christmas trade I've had in the 10 years I've been here.

"We are struggling. If you don't use us you'll lose us. It would be horrible to see us go."

John Testori, who runs Bambola, shares Sheila's fears. He explains: "The first half of the month was really strong and then the storm came along and I think people have just left town alone since then.

"Access is a huge issue trying to park is a nightmare, lack of parking, no access down Broad Street, no one walks down Broad Street and you can't drive down it, it's got nothing left of the street."

There are concerns that empty shops in St Helier is making the high street less attractive for residents. Credit: ITV Channel

Channel Island shoppers say there are a range of reasons they are swerving the high street in favour of online shopping.

One shopper said: "Most of [my shopping] is being done online at the moment.

"The prices are just not that compelling locally I get most of it on Amazon."

Another added: "It's just so much easier online you can get it at the click of a button at any time of day."

Others said the recent cost of living pressures meant they were spending less this year.

One islander said: "It's just a bit tight these days isn't it for everyone, so we are probably spending less on Christmas generally rather than not spending on the high street."

With an increasing number of shops lying empty, Jersey's government says it will roll out a new retail strategy within the next few weeks to help businesses change as customers adapt.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Economic Development Minister, says: "It's important that Jersey's retailers adapt and that they do also themselves engage in online sales.

"We will be issuing very shortly within the next week or so our retail strategy which is designed to enable the town centre to grow and thrive in Jersey."

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