On the day that this edition of Business Matters hits the streets it will be a mere 21 shopping days until Christmas and yet it feels that the build-up this year has already been going on forever! John Lewis with their ‘man on the moon’ advert was launched some weeks ago and all the other large stores have followed suit, not least Aldi with their parody version!
And while we expect the large multi-nationals to throw tens of thousands of advertising budget at the traditional peak in annual spend, spare a thought for your local Independent businesses who are competing with the big names.
Tomorrow, Saturday 5th December is ‘Small Business Saturday’, a grassroots campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support the local economy. Despite the extent of the build-up, it’s the first big shopping day for Christmas, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact for small businesses. You can play your part by making a real effort to shop and buy local on this day and indeed, in the days ahead.
Our town’s restaurants have obviously been preparing for the Christmas season with special menus and offers to entice you to dine out – many of which you can find attached to their business features on thebestof - Bay Spice on the Sea-front have some great Indian dining experiences planned – if it’s Italian you’re after then maybe try Rustico in Robertson Street or the more established Italian Way – the former offers a great delivery service too. And for a traditional Sunday Carvery, try Alexander’s adjacent to Beauport Park Golf Course, who are offering a free drink to diners who book ahead!
Hot on the heels of Christmas, will be New Year’s Eve. The pick of the bunch here is the iconic and newly refurbished Sussex Exchange, who are planning a mega party on 31 December although advanced booking is recommended – call on 01424 858461 to reserve your place!
And of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘Panto’ - You can’t have failed to notice that EastEnders’ star Jessie Wallace, will lead in Cinderella at the White Rock Theatre this year, from Friday 11th December until Sunday 27th December. I know that tickets are selling fast for the most magical pantomime of them all… One, lucky person, who won’t have to buy their panto tickets this year is Hastings’ resident, Laura Prestedge, who was the winner of our Cinderella ‘family ticket giveaway’ – we had a huge response so thanks to all those that entered and I hope that Laura and family enjoy the show.
With less than three weeks then until the big day, what to buy for those family members who seem to have it all? Well, here are a couple of ideas! Our resident photographer at 1066 Photography offers great family shoots in ‘The Secret Garden’ studio, which would make perfect family presents! And archer extraordinaire, Adrian Caddy, can host a memorable archery session for that extra special present, or how about gift vouchers for a broader indoor experience at 1066 Target Sports, voted number one family attraction in East Sussex!
To contact or find out more about any of our member businesses mentioned above, please visit www.thebestof.co.uk/hastings or email us at hastings@thebestof.co.uk – you could call too on 01424 858932. Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas!
