Coleraine businesses report boost in trade as Dino Day delivers roaring success
Coleraine Connect is celebrating the success of Jurassic Dino Day, which attracted thousands of visitors to Coleraine and delivered a significant boost in trade for town centre businesses.
With giant dinosaurs roaming the streets, family entertainment, the Q Radio Roadshow and activities taking place across local shops and venues, the event created a fantastic atmosphere while encouraging families to explore the town and support local businesses.
The impact was clearly felt at the tills.
The Orchard recorded a 62% increase in sales compared with the previous Saturday and approximately 39% compared with last year, with its specially created Dino Ice Cream Cups completely selling out.
Another town centre retailer reported sales 56% higher than the same Saturday last year, while other businesses recorded increases of around 20%.
Gems Jewellers described it as a “brilliant” day of trading, praising the fantastic atmosphere and crowds for bringing “real life and energy back into Coleraine”.
Snappy Snaps was exceptionally busy, with families queuing for its Dino Selfie Station and free Dino Day photographs. Staff also reported visitors discovering the business for the first time and saying they planned to return.
Rather than concentrating everything in one location, Coleraine Connect deliberately spread Dino Day activity throughout the town centre, with local businesses encouraged to create their own themed experiences, competitions, food and family activities.
Visitors could enjoy giant roaming dinosaurs, baby dinosaurs, a Fossil Museum, face painting and live entertainment, alongside activities within businesses throughout Coleraine.
The hugely popular Q Radio Roadshow, secured as part of the event programme, brought further music, entertainment and giveaways into the heart of the town.
Annie SID, BID Manager for Coleraine Connect, said: “Dino Day was never intended to be something that simply happened in one space. We wanted people to come into Coleraine, explore the town, discover businesses and experience everything we have to offer.
“The feedback and trading figures have been incredible. Seeing businesses reporting increases of 20%, 39%, 56% and 62% demonstrates the very real economic benefit that well-planned town-centre events can bring.
“What made the day particularly successful was the way businesses got behind it. They embraced the theme, created their own Dino Day experiences and became part of the wider event.
“The success belongs to the whole town, our businesses, event partners, staff and everyone who came along and helped make Coleraine feel so alive.”
Coleraine Connect believes Dino Day demonstrates the potential of a collaborative approach to town-centre events, creating attractions that drive footfall while giving visitors reasons to stay longer, explore more and spend within local businesses.
With streets packed with families, businesses reporting substantial increases in trade and fantastic feedback following the event, Jurassic Dino Day showed what can happen when the whole town works together.