Wintry weather over the past fortnight has hit the Christmas trade of many businesses in Burnham-On-Sea town centre as shoppers headed to indoor shopping malls instead.
Several shop owners say their early December trade was down on previous years due to the sub-zero temperatures.
Geoff Shickle of Shickle Shoes told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There’s no doubt that Burnham High Street has been far quieter than we’d usually expect for this time of year.”
“The bitterly cold weather and icy conditions have affected trade, with particularly fewer older people shopping in the High Street. Our fingers are crossed for milder, dry conditions during the final days before Christmas to bring the shoppers back into town and away from the indoor malls.”
Rhonda Mills, Chairman of Burnham Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We urge shoppers to look at the advantages of shopping in Burnham. Why spend money on petrol by travelling to the malls in the wintry weather when you can do all your shopping here in Burnham close to home.”
“Our independent shops offer a superb choice of gifts and many also provide home delivery or will reserve goods. Indeed, some shoppers come from miles around to shop in Burnham and use our unique range of shops.”
