Traders Puzzled But Pleased By Mad Saturday

THE Christmas Markets had a record breaking opening weekend but how did the permanent shops around the Markets fare at the same time? 

Part of the reason for this is the relative decline of the near big towns. Is Manchester’s gain Rochdale, Oldham, Wigan, Stockport’s loss? If so, it raises big questions.

Paddy Taylor, assistant manager at Peter Maturi, the King Street kitchenware shop, said that last Saturday had, in a word, been “crazy.” 

“The Christmas shopping here usually begins at about this time of year," he said, "but we had more customers than ever on this first weekend of the markets, something around 100 more customers for the day, which is a lot for our narrow shop.

"Being so busy may have been helped by the fact that the market stalls around us mostly sell food, so people were thinking about food and cooking, and we sell kitchenware.” 

Peter Hand, the general manager of Baxter Storey, (pictured above) who provide catering for the Royal Exchange, also said that last Saturday had been busier than usual for the city centre theatre:

 “There was the opening of the Dazzle Jewellery Exhibition and a matinee which contributed to the number of people at the Theatre,” Hand said. “But still there were more people around than anyone expected. We were astonished. There were about twenty people queuing in front of the restaurant, waiting for it to open at lunchtime. 

“I think it was a combination of people coming in from the Christmas Markets and people coming for the exhibition opening and matinee. Next weekend should also be very busy, but it’s hard to say if it will top this one. Usually our business peaks on the last weekend in November and then holds steady up to Christmas. Last Saturday was absolutely mad- but it was good for business.” 

It was the same story with many other restaurants and shops we asked.

Vaughan Allen, the boss of Cityco, the city centre management company, knew there’d be a lift in trade when the markets went up. He was pleased the first Saturday was so busy: 

“We know the markets make a big difference for most traders in the city not just the stallholders,” he said. “As soon as the markets go up, trade goes up.

"Saturday was spectacular, but if people are saying it’s happened earlier this year, I’d have to say yes, but only by a matter of days. 

“What’s also very pleasing about the markets is the dwell figure for people staying into the evening, this spreads the benefit across the city centre economy. The markets are a launch point for the Christmas period, and it seems people were really waiting for them this time. They are better markets too, with a more complete offering in Exchange Square for instance. 

“Manchester after the West End continues to be the second biggest shopping centre attracting more people than other cities – although it appears that this upturn was general over the country - it reinforces Manchester's position.” 

Confidential were certainly surprised to note the increase in shoppers and spending- almost a ‘Crisis? What crisis?´moment.

It’ll be interesting to see whether trading remains so upbeat or whether the sudden explosion on Saturday hints at a rapid and unwelcome fall off in December.

Possibly not.

Manchester is far more of a magnet for the region- and further afield- than it was a decade ago. Cityco has been evaluating the reasons for the city centre’s attractiveness and found that Manchester, for many people in the North West, is now the natural choice for a day out in terms of retail, entertainment, food and drink. 

Part of the reason for this is the relative decline of the near big towns. Is Manchester’s gain Rochdale, Oldham, Wigan and Stockport’s loss?

If so, it raises big questions. The decline in civic life in those proud old places can benefit no-one. Is there a way back for some of the other town centres to regain some lustre? Is Bury’s seemingly progressive town management an example to others?

Confidential’s going to be taking a look at what the future is for these once important towns. Saturday's mad day in Manchester might have simply knocked more nails into the coffins of other regional town centres, grand though it was here.