People in Harrogate plan to do a third of their Christmas shopping in the town centre, as more people flock online.
The Stray Ferret worked with Your Poll by Judge Service to survey nearly 1,500 people in Harrogate. The survey is statistically robust.
All surveys with more than 1,000 respondents are statistically valid. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill it out.
Where do you plan to do your Christmas shopping this year?
The survey found residents plan to do 30% of their Christmas shopping in Harrogate, 48% online and 16% elsewhere.
It will be important reading for the town’s businesses which hope, after a rough year, to have a bumper Christmas.
“Disappointed to lose the Christmas Market this year – I do a lot of my Christmas shopping there. Flower beds are gorgeous and love the lights in the trees.” – anon.
“The Christmas market is too early, not in long enough and is far too cramped. More seasonal markets would be good.” – anon.
Where do you plan to do your Christmas shopping?
The results from the survey also indicate, even though the majority head into town during the day, that residents only spend an hour to two hours there.
“Harrogate council needs to develop plans to respond to increasing online shopping by re-shaping the town centre over a period of time.” – anon.
“Harrogate is a great place to live, but work needs to be done to ensure it remains so. I hope that the town centre can endure.” – anon.
In the evening people are much more likely to spend two to three hours or even three to four hours in town.
Are you not entertained?
An improvement in the range of shopping and entertainment could bring more people into the town centre and for more time.
“A farmer style market regularly should be encouraged. A more diverse mix of shops should be encouraged.” – anon.
“A bowling alley would be ideal and would bring not just locals but people from outside the area into Harrogate” – anon.
More than 80% said there is “not enough” entertainment for young children and almost 90% said there is “not enough” entertainment for teenagers.
It contrasts quite strongly with the responses which said there are “too many” empty shops (97%) and charity shops (57%) in town.
