Shoppers have already begun flocking to Lanarkshire town centres as the festive period is now well underway.
However the challenges local businesses face still remain ever-present as Christmas fast approaches.
Hamilton has recently suffered its latest blow with the news of the Cadzow Street Post Office set to close next month, but the local Business Improvement District (BID) group Hamilton Our Town is inclined to look positively to the future with increased footfall already making an impact this December.
The Christmas street events have proved a success already, inviting thousands of visitors to the town, but as the year draws to a close it's important to reflect on some of the stark truths in front of the local economy also, says Hamilton Our Town manager Malcolm Thomas-Harley.
What’s happening in Hamilton?
with Malcolm Thomas-Harley
Hamilton town centre is home to several hundred local independent and national businesses. These businesses provide jobs and services for local people and many are run by local people who work tirelessly to make their business a success.
Well documented high-profile closures such as the departure of M&S from the town centre and now the recent news regarding the Post Office on Cadzow Street at times can cast a shadow on a town centre community fighting back against adversity.
The challenges are clear and well documented for town and city centres. From the cost of living crisis, online competition and a need to re-evaluate and reimagine the space once used by large national retailers now vacant.
Each area has unique challenges based on various factors all of which need a collaborative and creative approach in resolving. Have we begun to see the green shoots of a transition begin in our town?
Before looking at what changes have taken place it is vital to recognise where the changes are coming from. In simple terms independent, local businesses are moving into spaces once taken by larger chains or nationals.
There was a time when shoppers regularly complained that their town centres just looked like every other town centre across the country. Where had the local butcher fishmonger, baby clothing shop gone? Replaced by large national chains was the answer.
As we see some nationals move out, we can see their place being taken by independent businesses. There’s a long way yet to go for our town and many others regarding this and we also have to acknowledge the loss in footfall and benefits that these large retailers would bring. However, if we reflect on the changes even over the past few years in Hamilton there is some cause for optimism.
Since becoming involved in Hamilton Our Town two years ago I have seen over 20 new businesses open in the town centre area alone.
This includes the Premier Inn alongside many independents such as the ‘Hang On Climbing Centre’ and ‘Salt to go’. Our main street, Quarry Street in the BID area has a vacancy rate of 10 per cent versus the current 14.6 per cent national rate. We’re aware of new businesses in the area about to open such as ‘The Meatery’ and several more in the pipeline!
Localism, tradition and a sense of place is now being bolstered by our own Hamilton Market initiative. This has brought in the region of 5000 additional visitors to the area on market days of which there have been eight in 2022 alone.
The introduction of galas, markets and community involvement as part of a plan to engage the community with the space is certainly not a new concept, reflecting back to tradition of the past.
However, the way forward is perhaps using experience from the past combined with the new, firmly rooted in a sense of place and community to ensure Hamilton can endure and grow beyond the current challenges.
Does a vibrant market featuring local businesses filling an empty area outside the vacant M&S in the Regent Centre or a bustling Quarry street Market provide a symbolic image and sense of what could be? Is this possibly a statement of intent and a demonstration of the power of the community in Hamilton as part of the solution.
Hamilton Our Town, is primarily funded by the business community and run by the business community. Again, demonstrating the important value of our community as part of the solution.
As we head into a new year the shop local messaging and sentiment remains particularly relevant and vital. Our message remains consistent and clear, please shop local in 2023.
If you don’t know what Hamilton BID area has to offer, please check out our business listings section at www.hamiltonourtown.co.uk or follow us on social channels.
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