Small businesses show their Christmas spirit despite the recession

The Beehive pub on St.John's Hill were getting into the Christmas spirit. Image: Jennifer Ebert

Local traders on St.Johns Hill, Wandsworth, came together yesterday to celebrate the festive season and provide shoppers with a Christmas extravaganza.

The event offered lots of fun activities and festive treats for all the family, including a Santa’s grotto and traditional favourites such as Christmas pudding, roasted chestnuts and minced pies.

Dog owners were able to rendezvous with their pets for free canine treats and fund-raising for the Battersea Dogs Home, at Out of the Blue bar-restaurant. Shoppers got into the party spirit with free hair-dos and mini-makeovers, spray tans and for the kids, some face painting. In the evening music echoed along the pavements, including a live band, gospel choir and carol singers.

Cllrs Thom and McCausland with the team from St John's House. Image: Emma Jane Clark

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of calls to their legal advice line. “Their members are concerned about how to hold on to jobs; small businesses are usually the last to make employees redundant.” It didn’t damper anyone’s Christmas spirit as music played out along the brightly lit street.

The dress sale at Ellie & Charlotte was a huge success that saw glamorous party pieces fly off the racks. A selection of stalls and several shops also hosted a one-day sale. While many traders were offering the chance for you to taste their own recipe of mulled wines and a variety of savory snacks, they also invited people to create their own favourite blend whilst visiting the shops, stores, bars and restaurants taking part in this special Christmas celebration.

Rick, owner of the BeeHive pub, where there was a raffle with fantastic prizes, including a helicopter flying lesson and live music said: “It’s great to see the street looking so Christmassy and having a drink and a laugh with the other traders – good to see lots of people enjoying St John’s Hill and next year this event will be even bigger.”

Sweet shop specialists, Lollipop were giving away mulled cider and special Christmas cupcakes to guests, whilst Fish Club started the fun with a Santa Sprint which saw many people join in with the community fun. Deli Boutique presented a “Taste of Christmas” theme, dishing out home made smoked salmon, foie gras and truffles and Christmas hampers.

Young people at St John's House (Bar and Restaurant) making wreaths and festive garlands. Image: Emma Jane Clark

“It’s really nice to see people coming together, in one place, at one time to celebrate Christmas,” said local residents.

As many small businesses continue to face financial ruin in the current economic crisis. It would seem that this community of local traders are pulling out all the stops to attract consumers, provide a good shopping experience and continue to flourish in such hard times.

The event was organised by the Trader’s Association of St John’s Hill and supported by the Clapham Junction Town Centre Partnership and the local Police force.

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