Chesterfield town centre shops buzzing as stores from Primark to independents report strong post-lockdown sales

Stores ranging from clothing giant Primark to the town’s host of independent retailers reported brisk trade, and Chesterfield Borough Council chiefs said the town has been busier than expected.

Emily Lord, of well-known store Fred’s Haberdashery, said it was ‘great to see so many customers face to face’.

MORE: Mission Impossible 7: Team filming dramatic scene at Derbyshire quarry – as Tom Cruise spotted up north

"Many have thanked us for keeping them going with supplies during lockdown,” Emily said.

"We have sold an awful lot of buttons to people that have been busy knitting and finally able to finish their projects.”

Gifts, cards and decor store Shop Indie, in the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, said there was a ‘buzz around town’ in the last fortnight.

Joint owner Lisa Swift said: “It has been lovely being able to reopen our shop.

"We have had lots of customers – both regular customers and new – coming into town to shop locally and shop independent.

MORE: Safety concerns raised about 'cycle superhighway' on busy Chesterfield road

"There has been a general buzz around town which has been nice and it has definitely been a little busier than it would usually be.

"Everyone seems happy to be able to go out and support their local shops again.”

At Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield, owners Laura Jo and Adam Owen admit they were apprehensive about reopening but have been delighted with the reaction of shoppers.

“We’ve been so happy to see lots of people shopping in a safe way in our beautiful town centre,” Laura Jo said.

"Unsure of what to expect, I must admit we were a little bit nervous about reopening but we’ve had lots of people pop in to say ‘hi’ and to choose some fabulous new sparkly jewellery.

"Meeting people is one of my favourite things about owning a shop, Adam and I love to catch up with what our ‘sparklies’ have been up to and hear about their plans.

"We’ve certainly noticed a feel good factor in Chesterfield with people feeling optimistic about the future, long may it continue!”

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Borough Council said there had been ‘a positive atmosphere’ across the town, with car parking usage, footfall and shop sales all above expectations.

“It’s so important that we all do what we can to support our town centre, and that’s the message behind our ‘We’re Back’ campaign – a joint initiative with Destination Chesterfield which aims to showcase and support the great range of retail and hospitality in the borough,” he added.

"We’ll shortly be launching a new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign too, that will celebrate everything great about our town centre and high streets as we look forward to a further easing of lockdown restrictions.

“Throughout the pandemic the Chesterfield community has pulled together, and it’s great to see this spirit continues as we rally round to support local businesses to get back on their feet.”

Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of 4,000 of its customers in Chesterfield between April 12 and 18, and found shoppers spent 227 per cent more on average last week than normal – with Primark the most popular shop.

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor:

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.