Big freeze deals trade mixed bag

Shoppers flock to the town square for last minute bargains

IT’S been an up and down Christmas for Oldham town centre during the last few days of the Christmas spending spree.

Despite the gloomy economy, bargain hunters keen to bag gifts and goodies for family and friends flocked to the shops.

And the shopping frenzy looks set to continue with many stores starting their seasonal sales on Boxing Day. But heavy snow and ice which hit the borough over the past few days saw some traders affected.

Mike Flanagan, manager at the Town Square and Spindles shopping centre, said Oldham was holding its own despite the difficult economic climate, with new businesses arriving and positive sales figures.

He said: “We are very pleased this year and despite the extremely bad weather this week, we have seen more people in our car parks and have maintained the footfall level from last year.

“Trade is extremely buoyant and I don’t think we have been too badly hit by the credit crunch.

“We are predicting an extremely busy week from Boxing Day onwards and as it falls on a Saturday this year I think it will be even busier than usual.

“Some of the retailers have already started their sales but shoppers will come out in force when the main sales start on Saturday.”

It was a mixed bag for traders at the Tommyfield Market and outdoor market who were more affected by the bad weather.

Ian Chalmers, interim markets manager, said: “A lot of traders have taken a hit this week because of the wintry weather.

“It’s been a real mixed bag, with some traders saying they’ve done well and others not.

“It’s difficult to make predictions about next year but some traders are apprehensive about what it may bring. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Paul Roberts, president of Oldham Local Chamber Council, said: “I’m delighted that sales in Oldham town centre have improved.

“The chamber has been calling on Oldham residents to support their local shops and they seem to have taken notice.

“Our latest quarterly economic survey showed confidence among businesses was at its highest since early 2008. So although economic conditions are still tough, we can look forward to 2010 with more optimism.”