More people explore Uckfield High Street because of snow
Happy New Year. We hope that 2011 will be a good year for shoppers and traders in Uckfield High Street.
Snow made life difficult for all at the end of 2010 but retailers noticed a spin-off when people, who might normally have travelled out of town, spent more time exploring their own High Street.
Mark Arno at Carvills said people were also reluctant to risk disappointment through doing their Christmas shopping on the internet.
“They wanted the present in their hand rather than an email telling them something they didn’t believe," he said.
“We had people in the shop who lived locally but had never been in before and we hope that good products and good service will make us their first choice next time.”
Mr Arno hoped more shoppers might be encouraged to shop locally in 2011 because of the high cost of fuel and the cost of pay parking elsewhere.
“People will have a discount before they even get started if they shop locally because of the saving on travel and parking costs.”
The Carvills sale starts on Wednesday, January 5. The shop is to close on Tuesday (January 4) and re-open the next day when the sale will get under way.
New products are expected start arriving after trade shows in January and February though spring and summer stock have been on order for some time.
Flurry of business at ski shop
Snow brought a sudden flurry of business before Christmas to PipeDreams, the snow, surf and skate shop.
Owners Julie and David Hobbs had stocked up ready for customers preparing for ski holidays and found their goods in great demand earlier than expected.
Snow boots sold quickly along with ski sticks and warm clothing and the couple struggled initially to find new stock to fill the gaps.
Their general sale begins on January 8 as new summer clothing starts to arrive but the ski sale will begin later as the season draws to a close.
Air of mystery at Caffyns
There’s an air of mystery at Caffyns Citroen showroom at the moment as the countdown is under way to the launch of the new C4 on Thursday.
One of the cars is already taking pride of place in the window but will stay hidden under fabric until the big day.
Sales manager Leigh Gullen said the launch of the new small family hatchback would be followed later in the year with the arrival of the DS4, a sport hatchback.
He was also waiting to learn more about another new model, the Zero.
Mr Gullen said 2010 had turned out better than forecast for the company and he was particularly pleased with the level of repeat business and referrals. “We’ll just have to wait and see what happens in 2011. I don’t know what the climate is going to be,” he added.
Fund-raising at SpecSavers
Uckfield SpecSavers chose the late night shopping event as a focus for fund-raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind and collected £364 for the charity.
Staff ran a raffle and the draw took place during late night shopping.
Two guide dogs, Gale who is just going into retirement and Suzy who is to be her successor, were there accompanying their owner.
A spectacle MOT station was open with staff repairing spectacles in return for donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Refreshments were also available.
Busy year for Chameleon
The year 2010 has been a busy one for Jill Mills and Jo Sajner at their boutique Chameleon where they introduced a new menswear range which has been proving popular.
The snow hit business but there was a bonus when more people shopped in town because they couldn’t get anywhere else.
Don’t forget Chameleon offers late night shopping every Thursday and Friday until 7 and 8pm respectively.
New arrivals at The Bargain Store
Chris Sharp and Cynth Kennedy, pictured below, are new arrivals at The Bargain Store.
They offer a friendly welcome and aim to sell good quality produce at the lowest possible prices.
Stock includes toys, stationery, household products so do call in and see what is on offer.
Sale at Footcraft
Footcraft are planning a sale of men’s Loake shoes as well as ladies’ shoes. They will be offering 10% off one pair of shoes, 20% off two pairs and 30% off three pairs.
Look out for seed trays at All Sorts
All Sorts manager Clarissa Linnitt said December was a topsy turvey month for the store. Normally they found trade really good for the whole of December with the last week before Christmas being exceptional.
This year trade was exceptional in early December but fell off in the last week because of the snow.
Clarissa is now stocking up on flower bulbs and looking forward to the arrival of seeds for vegetables and fruit.
She is planning to sell seed trays this year. “We have always planted pots but people have been asking us for seed trays too and so we will be offering them as well this year,” she said.
Trial of new fashion range at Kandey
At Kandey owner Jenny Brooks has a sale under way. She wants to clear out winter stock ready for new arrivals.
Bargains can be found with items on a ‘one-and-only rail’ being offered with 70% off and 20% off purses and jewellery and 30% off tights.
Jenny is planning a trial in the spring of a girls’ fashion section aimed at eight to 13-year-olds.
“We have quite a lot of young girls coming in who are looking for something fashionable and a little bit different for their age group and so we will have a trial to see if we can meet their needs,” said Jenny.
See also:
Our story and pictures of late night shopping in Uckfield
Uckfield experts offer tips to help you unwind
(Added to site Friday, December 31st, 2010)
