‘Step-out’ and support local shops this Christmas - Chamber appeals

Working in conjunction with the team at Ballymena Town Centre Development Ltd., the Chamber are urging everyone to ‘Step-out’ in support of local traders in the run up to December 25.

A spokesperson for the initiative said: “As we know Ballymena and it’s surrounding village High Streets are suffering from the economic downturn. Consumers have forgotten ‘Local Retail’ and fallen in love with online shopping.

“Everyone likes the idea of having a town centre and in some way they show concern about its possible demise but these people also ‘think’ someone else will support it whilst ‘everyone’ is adopting the same attitude.”

As shoppers work their way through their 2012 festive shopping lists, the Chamber is appealing to them to consider the well publicised struggle local retailers are currently experiencing and to consider purchasing some gifts in Ballymena and the surrounding villages this Christmas.

“We might help save more shops from closing on our local high streets whilst saving much needed jobs and hardship,” said Chris Wales, the Chamber’s Business Development Manager.

“We always assume our favourite independent and multiple retailers will be on Wellington Street Broughshane Street or Church Street to offer much needed advice in this overwhelming and fast world of new products & services.

“The stark realisation is that year-on-year High Street footfall continues to drop.

“We are trying to encourage the people of our borough to ‘step out’ this Christmas, bump into or meet old friends for a coffee, lunch or dinner and experience retail therapy at its very best. “Ballymena and our villages are still the heart of the local community, a vibrant place to meet, people-watch, enjoy a walk, search for bargains or perhaps spoil yourself.”