Festive season brings mixed fortunes for Kirkintilllch traders
TRADERS in Kirkintilloch have reported mixed fortunes over the festive season.
The run-up to Christmas is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for local shops.
Hamilton O'Malley, owner of Bike Wise in Townhead, said: "This has been the worst Christmas on record for me.
"I know bikes are not big presents any more, but it now seems people like the idea of having shops in Kirkintilloch but still go into Glasgow or to the retail parks.
"A lot of shops were offering really big discounts before Christmas too, as it was a case of either getting some sort of business or paying off staff."
However, Jan Walker at From Angelina's said business had definitely improved on last Christmas.
She said: "It has been great, which is surprising considering what has been reported about a slump around the country.
"Last year was my first Christmas here and there has definitely been an improvement. People have been coming in to shop from all over the place."
Billy Farrell, manager of clothes store M&Co, said: "We lost a bit of business earlier in the year when the Antonine Centre opened in Cumbernauld, but people have started to come back.
"Business is picking up again, but we are definitely not doing as well as last Christmas."
Woolworths manager Crispin Smith also said the Antonine Centre had affected trade.
He said: "The number of people coming here has definitely dropped, which might be to do with the new Woolworths store at Cumbernauld.
"However, even though there are less people, those who are coming in seem to be buying more.
"Things certainly slowed down this Christmas compared to previous years."
John Barclay, manager of WH Smith, said: "Compared to most years we would be down in business, but it hasn't been too drastic.
"The Sunday before Christmas was very quiet, which is unusual. So most people must be going into Glasgow."
Urging people to shop in Kirkintilloch is one of the main remits for the Business for Kirkintilloch initiative.
Lex Gaston, who is heading up the project for Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "From speaking to people about business in general, most places seem to have had a reasonable Christmas.
"It has definitely not been terrible for the majority, but it has not been fantastic either.
"Our intention is to have a meeting early in the new year to find out how people are getting on and then take things forward."
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Sunday 19 May 2013
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