Speak to any retailer across South Wales and they’ll tell you just how tough the last two years has been. For many they’ve had to find new ways to run their business, for others, they simply haven’t been able to weather the pandemic.

A recently published reports reveals that many retailers can expect a better Christmas for 2021, with modest year-on-year growth of 0.5% expected for non-food sales. 

Although Retail Week’s report highlights modest year-on-year growth in non-food sales it also suggests the sector is set for success this golden quarter.

In the absence of lockdowns and following significant online infrastructure investment by businesses, retail sales this Christmas will revert to pre-pandemic patterns, according to the research.

This expectation is backed up by the level of consumer confidence expected this Christmas – compared with 2020 and 2019 – which is revealed in the report. 

It’s been a joy to see many retailers reintroducing special Christmas Shopping events to encourage us back through their door, and pick up a few early bargains. One such retailer is Nicholls, a family business set in the heart of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.  

They’ve been around for a long time now, and have seen many changes and trends since they opened their door in 1925. They originally sold animal feed, pots, and pans to local farmers who passed through the market town of Crickhowell. The business diversified into selling hardware to these farmers and eventually evolved into the department store customers see today.

One of the stores festive traditions is their annual preview evening, the first of which was last night in Abergavenny, with more to follow this week.

We went along to speak to Nicholls Operations Manager, Richard Barber to find out how this year is shaping up, and of course to look at some Christmas goodies.

If you’d like to go along to the FREE Nicholls Preview Evenings this week, you can book your tickets HERE.