Shoppers Descend On Wrexham To Support Local Businesses

Wrexham Town Centre was jam-packed this afternoon as shoppers gathered in the town centre support small and local businesses.

Today symbolised Small Business Saturday, an annual event that encourages people to shop local and support the local businesses in your area. The event initially began in America, however over the past few years the event has generated in popularity in the UK.

This year’s event was organised by several local business owners in Wrexham and saw a number of events, offers and activities take place across the town centre. Throughout the day there were cupcake trails, a business trail, discounts and offers at several independent stores, live animal handling, live wood carving by Simon O’Rouke and food tasting in the Butchers Market.

Elsewhere in town there was cupcake decorating in Emz Cakes a live fashion show in the Wynnstay and Chester Street played host to a fun fair for children.

A special coach service for the day was also provided by Links Tours, who offered a ‘Shoppa Hoppa’ style service transporting shoppers across the town centre.

Today also saw the opening of Santa’s Grotto in the Peoples Market, with large crowds flocking to the market to meet the man himself. Santa’s Grotto will be open Monday – Saturday: 11:00am – 4:00pm and Christmas Eve from 10am – midday. Tickets to meet Santa are £4.50.

For those who didn’t fancy meeting Santa, there was plenty else on offer – with pop up stalls in the Peoples Market selling everything from custom made Christmas stockings and custom made gifts.

Choirs and entertainment in the market were also on hand throughout the day singing festive carols.

As well as the Peoples Market playing host to a number of new stalls, there were also pop-up shops on Chester Street, Bank Street and the Central Arcade.

One of the many pluses of the day was the free car parking available at all Wrexham Council owned car parks. The free parking was made great use of by shoppers, with the car parks full throughout the day – naturally resulting in a very positive level of footfall in the town centre.

Thanks to Katie B for tweeting us this image from Waterworld car park

The response to the event has been largely positive, with many shoppers commenting on how brilliant it was to see the town centre (and car parks!) so busy.

Crafty Ladies from the Butchers Market tweeted to say: “Customers said they would come to Wrexham to shop if car parking was cheap or free. Small firms need it.”

Across the town everyone seemed in good spirit and appeared to enjoy the day. Today’s Small Business Saturday event showcased what Wrexham has to offer and also the positive impact free / cheaper parking incentives have on the town.