Some traders outside Douglas enjoyed a bumper Christmas and most who flourished drew in custom with special initiatives.
‘The days of just opening the doors and waiting for customers to walk in are behind us,’ said Chris Beards from Manton’s toy shop in Port Erin. This year, the shop distributed a catalogue of its products which ‘gave us a real boost,’ he said. ‘We were busier than last year. A lot of people came in who had not seen us before. With a bit of thought and work and if you have the right product and service people will support you.’
Port Erin traders’ association organised a special ‘Magical Christmas’ event which drew people to the village. ‘Trade was about the same as last year,’ said Steve George, chairman of the association.
In Peel, Celtic Gold also reported a very busy Christmas. ‘It was as good as ever for us,’ said owner Malcolm Wells. ‘Last year was a record, we hoped we would be as busy this year and we were.’
He explained why they are successful and said: ‘We do unique jewellery, you cannot go onto Amazon and buy the same stuff ... We also have a website and send our jewellery round the world. We cannot be too hard on the impact of the internet if we do a lot (of business) from our own website.’
However, he said other traders in Peel have had a ‘thin’ time they say because of the internet.
Ramsey also attracted shoppers according to Shakti Man. ‘We were really, really busy,’ said Marie Murphy, a shop assistant. ‘There were lots of internet sales. Quite a lot were local, they (goods) also go to London and France.Locally people look online and then come in and look in the shop. I did not speak to anyone in Ramsey who did not have a good Christmas, Ramsey was very well supported.’
Ramsey’s Pure Inspiration said word of mouth – and Facebook – advertise business and customers come from throughout the island.
The refurbishment of Castletown butcher’s Radcliffe’s has paid dividends, said co-owner Zoe Thompson, who said business was up on last year.
Charles Faragher, owner of Port Erin Gaslight and Aerated Waters said trade is a challenge for a shop that relies on people browsing. ‘The aftermath of Callow’s Yard is still depressing trade in the town.’