Thank you for supporting Newark and Sherwood’s local businesses and retailers this festive season

The video showcases a mix of independent retailers and markets across Newark, Southwell, Edwinstowe and Ollerton, tempting viewers to purchase their unique Christmas gifts closer to home this December. 

The video follows encouraging data from Newark's footfall sensors that indicate residents and visitors are supporting their local high street this festive period. 

According to the data collected, Sunday 28 November, the day of Newark's Christmas Lights Switch On, saw 10,628 visitors descend on the town to enjoy the lights switch on, festive market, independent retailers and street entertainment marking it as the busiest day for the town this year.

Additionally, the footfall sensors have recorded the 11 to 12 December as the busiest weekend of the year with 18,089 visitors across Saturday and Sunday, with the average dwell time of visitors being 2 hours and 39 minutes. 

In addition, the weekend saw new festive events such as Newark Book Festival's Winter Wonderland, Newark Castle's Christmas Lights spectacle and Newark Town Council's new Christmas Lights Market.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "The data collected by the footfall sensors in Newark is fantastic news. I want to thank our residents who have continued to support their local community this festive season by shopping independently in our wonderful shops and attending our brilliant festive events.

"It is a difficult time for our retailers, local shops and cafes with the increasing rise in Omicron cases.  But by taking careful measures, limiting numbers in small shops for example, wearing face masks and regular hand sanitising, we can still support our local businesses who I know are still keen to welcome you safely. Some offer online services as well, so for those feeling uncomfortable heading out, please consider searching for your favourite local store online."

In 2021 the District Council has supported local businesses during COVID-19 recovery. This year, businesses have been offered the opportunity to get involved in initiatives such as the Business Growth and Resilience Programme and the first Teenage Market and enjoyed the benefits of increased promotional activity through the tourism brand Visit Newark and Sherwood.

Councillor Lloyd continued, "We understand how tough the last two years has been for our local businesses, and we appreciate our businesses leaders' hard work and dedication. I am passionate about supporting our independent retailers, and the District Council is committed to the continued support of all our local businesses."

Ian Harrison, Markets Manager at Newark Town Council, said: “Our strategy to provide regular and significant attractions in the town centre, in the form of street entertainment and music, appears to have been successful and our Christmas markets have been highly popular with both traders and customers. Going forwards into 2022 it is I feel essential that we can continue with this and indeed grow a diverse offer, unique to Newark, showcasing our beautiful town and character.”

Installed in June and July of 2022, the footfall sensors collect anonymous data on visitor numbers, dwell time, visitor movements and frequency of visits. Footfall sensors were installed under the High Street Action Zone scheme, funded by Historic England, and aims to help preserve the beautiful historic core of Newark and support the recovery of local high streets.

You can watch the retailers video, made in partnership with independent retailers across the district, on Newark and Sherwood District Council's YouTube channel. 

ENDS