Chesterfield town centre shops prepare to reopen with plea to 'shop local' this Christmas

After being closed for the last month because of national lockdown restrictions, town centre shops will once again be able to welcome customers from Wednesday, December 2.

Chesterfield’s varied selection of independent shops will reopen with a host of special offers and treats to encourage people in the town to shop local, and shop safely, over the festive period.

Shoppers are being urged to make the most of independent shops ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 5.

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Dom Stevens, manager of marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, said: “Christmas is normally the busiest time for independent traders and they have completely missed out on this during Lockdown 2.

"This year, more than ever, the Shop Local mantra is not just about growing the prosperity of independent businesses on the high street, but ensuring they can also survive beyond the pandemic.

"The support of local shoppers this year is vital. Where possible shop and spend local.”

Gifts, cards and decor store Shop Indie, in the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, is planning to open seven days a week ahead of Christmas.

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Spokesperson Lisa Swift said: “December is a very important time of year for us as a business and whilst we have had many customers supporting us through the latest lockdown we know that many are waiting until they can come and shop with us in person.

"We are spending the next few days restocking our shop and making sure that measures are in place to keep both ourselves and our customers safe at this busy time of year - including limiting numbers of people in the shop, regular cleaning and providing hand sanitiser for our customers to use.”

The team at well-known store Fred's Haberdashery said they were looking forward to welcoming customers through the doors again.

Owner Emily Lord said: “We will be launching a new credit card sized gift card which can be used in-store or online and we hope this will be a popular option for people.”

Emily said she would like to see the free council parking that has been available in the town centre during the lockdown continue right up to Christmas.

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. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.