Christmas markets bring business cheer
Up and down the country, town centres are being transformed into winter wonderlands as retailers bring some Christmas cheer to Britain’s high streets.
In the past it would be simple lights and a tree that marked the festive season , but nowadays it’s busy markets, pop-up shops, festive food stalls, magical grottos, spectacular light displays and even skating rinks.
Commercial Road in Portsmouth puts on its annual Christmas market from November until Christmas Eve. Open all day, every day in the middle of the city centre, log cabin stalls line the main shopping area, selling food, gifts, alcohol and more.
With an ice rink just down the road in Guildhall Square, the capacity of potential punters and customers can double — allowing stallholders and retailers the chance to compete with online shopping and other local shops and restaurants.
Toby Sin, who works on a festive stall, agreed that the Christmas market does seem to bring a larger crowd to the city centre.
“Having lived in Portsmouth for a number of years, the Christmas market definitely draws the attention of more residents in the area either for the food, drink or Christmas spirit”
