After being closed for 101 days, this year we opened our doors for the first time on April 12th with some trepidation. We were not sure if we would experience a ‘feast or famine’ with customers rushing to our doors or staying away.
We did not see a stampede or the endless queues as those outside Primark or New Look, nor would we expect to! What we have experienced is a steady re-emergence of local & loyal customers trickling in to say hello and to re-acquaint themselves with the novelty of browsing or buying once again. For a lot of people, visiting Abrahams has been their first trip out for many months and many have commented how safe and welcome they have found the experience. It certainly helps to have the store looking bright and colourful as well as being ‘packed to the gunnels’ with new and exciting merchandise!
Although lockdown measures have begun to ease, Kirkby Lonsdale has not seen a large increase in footfall as few of the hospitality venues have space for outdoor dining. We expect this situation to change significantly after May 17th when all the town’s cafes, restaurants and hotels reopen with indoor dining available once again. We also expect a surge of visitors who are taking holidays within the UK. Being on the edge of both the Lake District & Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Kirkby Lonsdale is in a prime location. With its numerous independent shops, renowned restaurants & beautiful position, the town continues to be a destination for both national and international visitors.
Although last month was a short trading month for all “Non-Essential” retailers, amazingly we have had our best April ever! As customers are changing where & how they shop, we expect this trend to continue.
Our customers have shown us that they want to shop locally or at independent shops who can offer everything the large multiples cannot. They also have come to realise that if they do not support us, they will lose what is the best of British retailing.
As always, we look forward to welcoming you over the coming weeks!
Best wishes,
Josie & all at Abrahams
