The last period of the year can be both a busy and hectic time for retail businesses, featuring key dates in the shopping calendar. But what is this ‘Golden Quarter’ and why is it renowned in the business community?
This time of year includes very important dates in the retail calendar, from Black Friday and Cyber Monday to Singles Day and Christmas. Retail companies can spend prolonged periods planning for the final quarter of the year to ensure they see a significant spike in sales and revenue by creating new campaigns and offers.
Online shopping has altered how the Golden Quarter looks, with businesses now forced to promote offers, sales and discounts virtually rather than just dealing with a customer face-to-face.
According to the British Retail Consortium, other factors have impacted on shopping habits in recent years. The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has made shoppers less likely to spend on non-essential products. But, the crisis has also led to a 59% rise in consumers actively seeking offers and discounts when making a purchase, so it’s important for businesses to promote these in the best way possible to boost customer numbers, especially at such a vital time of year for the sector.
So, how can we support our businesses through the Golden Quarter in Harrogate. Well, it’s simple really, rather than making that online purchase with an international brand, head into the town centre and shop around!
There’s so much on offer in our town, known by so many as the ‘jewel in Yorkshire’s crown’. We’re lucky to have a delightfully diverse range of products and services on offer from different businesses in the town centre – and they need your backing! Not just in retail, but covering all sectors in the business world.
Whether it’s making your way to see a host of independents down Commercial Street, or paying a visit to one of the nationals on Cambridge Street, it would be fantastic to see as many people as possible contribute to the Harrogate business community as we move towards the end of 2024!
The Harrogate Gift Card could also make that perfect present this Christmas, helping you to cover all bases for that special someone this year. It’s a great way to lock in spend with both national and independent retailers within our BID area as it can only spent at businesses within the boundary, helping to boost both the local economy and business community!
If you think the Gift Card could be the gift for you this year, simply click here to find out more!
If you have any questions or feedback to offer on our latest BID Blog, please email us on info@harrogatebid.co.uk