‘Save Christmas for our traders’ appeal to Carrickfergus public

The Executive’s announcement of two-week circuit breaker in response to the pandemic means non-essential retail closing and the hospitality sector unable to re-open on November 27.

The beleaguered town centre businesses which rely on a festive boost are now depending on social media, online presence, a controlled ‘click and collect service’ and being allowed to open again on December 11 to save some of the season.

Speaking ahead of the Executive’s announcement, the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “We all have a part to play in protecting our community in Mid and East Antrim, and I have been overwhelmed at the spirit of togetherness which has been evident throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The latest coronavirus restrictions will no doubt have a big impact on our wonderful local businesses, and shoppers will be keen to do all they can to support them in what would normally be the busiest time of the year.

“I would urge everyone to adhere closely to the public health guidelines while out shopping or enjoying a coffee with friends in town. Please wear a face covering, remember to socially distance and exercise good hand and respiratory hygiene at all times.”

With the coronavirus crisis already impacting on earlier planning, the sector is facing an unprecedented challenge, according to the Carrickfergus Town Centre Partnership (CTCP).

Kevin Wilson, chair of CTCP, said: “(Mid and East Antrim) Council had a public meeting in March for stakeholders in the town. Two things that the CTCP organised last year were seen to be a hit by everyone who was there - the music event and the market. But because of ongoing restrictions this year, neither went ahead although there is a MEA market planned for mid-December.

“As things have been quite fluid during 2020, any planned joint CTCP and MEA marketing also fell by the wayside as far as the shop local campaign has gone.

“CTCP would like to thank their customers for their continued support during these difficult times and would like to wish them all a happy and safe festive season.”

Even the official countdown to Christmas with the tree lighting ceremony, which would normally see crowds flock to High Street, was moved online on Saturday past.

Meanwhile, many local retailers are combatting reduced footfall by upping their online offering. Scotch Quarter-based shop The Secret Bookshelf is one of many independent booksellers to have an online store with Bookshop.org.

Thanking customers for their support this year, owner, Jo Zebedee said: “We’re happy to take customer orders during lockdown - just message us on Facebook or give us a call on 07810647084. We can deliver locally for free. Alternatively, items can be ordered from on uk.bookshop.org/shop/Thesecretbookshelf.”

Other local businesses in the area, from Carrick’s Forest Fitness NI to Whitehead’s Marine Clothing, can be found on sites such as supportlocalni.com.

The online directory was founded earlier this year to help Northern Ireland’s local and independent businesses through the pandemic.

The Executive’s announcement of the circuit-breaker took many by surprise and drew anger from Retail NI. Its chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “This appalling decision will be a hammer blow to our already struggling high streets and for thousands of independent retailers forced to close at the most important trading time of the year.”

With a surge of shopping anticipated before Friday, he appealed for people to shop safely and asked them “to make a special effort this week to support independent retailers that are being forced to close for two weeks”.

The Executive announced this week a raft of funding packages including £95million for a High Street Voucher Scheme for a pre-paid card for use on the high street, £55million to extend the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme to include non-essential retail, leisure, and entertainment businesses now forced to close; £10.6million to support 1,000 wet pubs which are experiencing additional financial hardship, £5million to top-up the Tourism and Hospitality Scheme.

Click here to read: Christmas markets ‘being finalised’ for Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena

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