The retail sector in Heanor and Ripley, and in the wider Derbyshire area, is braced for a sales surge worth more than £10m ahead of the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee, according to new figures.
 
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC) has analysed a national study to estimate how much the local economy will benefit from spending associated with the celebrations this weekend. 

It found that nationally, a total of £823m will be spent on Jubilee-related goods over the Bank Holiday, which equates to £11.2m in Derbyshire.

Of that, £2.3m will be spent on food and snacks, £1.9m on drinks, £900,000 on souvenirs and £800,000 on decorations, with those celebrating the event expecting to spend an average of £40-per-person, according to the figures.
 
However,  it’s not all good news for business – the extra day’s Bank Holiday is expected to cost local firms around £17.7m in lost productivity**. 

Commenting on the findings, DNCC Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this weekend will provide a timely boost to the local retail sector as people look to buy in extra food, drink and souvenirs to celebrate this landmark achievement. 

“Last year’s Royal Wedding helped to make April the best month for retail sales growth in 2011 and retailers will be hoping for a similar increase in retail spend this weekend.

“However, as with all prestigious international occasions such as this, there will be winners and losers and while it is clearly good news for the retail and hospitality sectors, there will be businesses out there that will lose out by having to absorb the cost of closing down and giving their staff an extra day off for the extended Bank Holiday.”

Here at thebestof Heanor and Ripley, we'd urge all of our local businesses to get into the Jubilee Spirit and make sure your shops look inviting. Put on vibrant window displays, decorate yorr shop with bunting and, if possible, stock as many Jubilee related products and special offers as you can.

We've seen some amazing displays already, but its not too late if you've not ordered your decorations yet.  The Event Place in Ripley have some fantastic themed products, from bunting and material to hats, wigs, glasses and even full outfits if you or your staff want to go the whole nine yards... and as they're all available locally, there's no postage or expensive petrol bills to worry about.  Give Elaine a call today on 01773 689296 to see what she can do to help you entice those all important customers into your shop...