£35k to get islanders Christmas shopping in town

Tuesday 24 November 2020

The Government has injected £35,000 into town’s Christmas preparations in a bid to get islanders out and about shopping locally.

The incentives the money from the Economic Development Department will support include ambient background music, screens spreading Christmas cheer, assistance for Thursday late night shopping, pop-up shops and umbrellas available for the colder winter nights.

Late night shopping on till 21:00 will be happening every Thursday until 17 December, and pop-up shops from the likes of Jersey Cupcakes and Aide de La Herrán Jewellery will be located around town.

Events from street entertainers and a wreath workshop will also be taking place across the period.

Pictured: Street entertainers will also be out and about in town throughout the festive period.

Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham said: "It’s important that we support retailers as we enter the most important trading time of year for them. Creating a vibrant town centre will help encourage Islanders to continue to support local businesses and, as a result, help retain Islanders’ jobs. I am pleased to be able to provide this financial support and would like to acknowledge the excellent work of the Town Centre Team."

Town Centre Manager Vicky Trehorel commented: "We were very happy with the response, in that people were forthcoming in endorsing ideas such as music in the town centre and local producer pop-up stalls in place of the usual Simply Christmas Market."

St. Helier's Constable, Simon Crowcroft, added: "As we all know, it is more important than ever that we support our town centre. Shopping local, supporting our Jersey retail and hospitality businesses is something we all need to do.

"My team at the Parish, with the support of our government, and in conjunction with our local businesses, is working hard to make this year’s Christmas shopping in town a safe, vibrant, and enjoyable experience."