‘Christmas sales are crucial,’ says town centre retailer urging customers to support independents
A well-established town centre retailer is urging customers to support independent businesses this festive season, as she says “Christmas sales are crucial”.
Vintage Guru, in St Giles’ Street, is full to the brim with vintage and new gifts, homeware, clothes, accessories, vinyl records, and houses tens of independent businesses.
It was founded in August 2018 when there was a gap in the town following the closure of the popular Most Marvellous.
Business owner Julie Teckman stands firm that if you are to succeed on the high street, you need to create an experience – and she is confident that Vintage Guru has done that.
Vintage Guru is most frequently praised for its localness and the support it offers to the roughly 80 small and independent businesses it houses under one roof.
“For retailers, this couple of months is so important and Christmas sales are crucial,” Julie told the Chronicle & Echo. “Loyal shoppers come to us for Christmas gifts.
“They know they can get good gifts without having to spend a fortune, and they are more sustainable and locally-made presents. We offer value for money and items start at just a pound.”
People have already commenced their Christmas shopping at Vintage Guru and Julie says this continues right up until Christmas Eve. The sales assistants are on hand to help customers find items they would not have discovered on their own.
Julie continued: “It’s easy to shop online from your own home, but you have to factor in if you’re going to be in for delivery, if it will be stolen off your doorstep, whether it was what you expected, and the returns system.
“We believe there’s more in the town centre and you can get anything you want, but you have to look for it. Northampton’s businesses are just more spread out compared to Rushden Lakes, Market Harborough and Olney.”
When asked why people should support Vintage Guru, Julie said: “People leave with something they never thought they were going to buy, and our stock changes all the time.
“Customers like the idea of recirculating gifts and putting thought into it, and our vouchers are also a popular choice.”
Julie explained that being an independent business gives them flexibility, and the team looks forward to offering private shopping sessions in the evenings in the run up to Christmas. This will be joined by quiet sessions, and times when people with pushchairs who need more space can come and shop.
“Things are picking up for us in the town centre, and there’s an increase in sales when there are weekend events,” said Julie. “I’m cautiously optimistic.”
‘Independent businesses are the lifeblood of our town centre’
The Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) are champions of independent businesses all year round.
Operations manager Mark Mullen said: “Independent businesses are the lifeblood of our town centre and it’s vital we support them not just for Christmas but throughout the year.
“Shopping local and buying from the people who put their valuable time and effort into providing exceptional customer service and a brilliant shopping experience is so important, helping to keep your money in the town and encouraging more businesses to set up shop here in the future.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many excellent independents, creating a vibrant and welcoming retail offer that really enhances the appeal of Northampton town centre as a shopping destination. We look forward to hearing the tills ringing out loud this festive season.”