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Bedford battles Christmas credit crunch

BID reports footfall up by 20,000 per week £80,000 of BID vouchers in circulation

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BedfordBID is reporting a bumper Christmas, despite the credit crunch, with the number of people shopping in the Town Centre rising by 20,000 per week in November and December.

The BedfordBID voucher, available from the Tourist Information Centre and redeemable at more than 160 shops in the town, brought in £80,000 in advance sales - of which 50% were cashed in the lead up to Christmas.

“The vouchers were redeemed at 120 different businesses in the town which shows that they benefit a wide range of outlets, large and small,” explained Mo Aswat, Director of the BedfordBID,

“Our people counting technology, which registers an average of 175,000 people a week in Bedford, demonstrated this number rose to 195,000 a week in the lead up to Christmas - more shoppers with more money to spend.” *

The biggest shopping day, in keeping with national trends was December 23rd, demonstrating that people were waiting until the last minute to go ‘bargain hunting’.

BedfordBID’s report was backed up by the Harpur Centre where manager Mark Needham said the number of visitors was up, aided by the popularity of stores such as Primark, Argos and Boots. Business was buoyant with more than 220,000 people visiting the Harpur Centre during the week starting December 15th, compared to the average of 150,000 per week.

Mo added: “This was a joint effort between the BedfordBID and its promotional activity and the local councils offering free park and ride and car parking during the key periods. We all worked together to attract shoppers into Bedford - it is then over to the individual outlets to secure sales. Some were obviously more successful than others, but it is a tough market out there. At least with the BedfordBID vouchers bought by local businesses, as well as individuals, we are making sure the money stays local.”

*Bedford BID Counters are on High Street and corner of M & S - which explains the disparity with Harpur Centre figures which include all those who enter the centre - including internally from adjoining car parks.