BUSINESS groups today said it is too early to tell whether shops and traders in Colchester will be affected by the downturn this Christmas.

With the icy chill of recession in the air, retailers are uncertain about sales as shoppers keep a tight rein on their purses.

Michelle Reynolds, chairman of Colchester Retail Business Association (Corba), said that members’ experiences show “no real trend”.

And shoppers taking advantage of late-night opening in the town admitted they were being cautious.

Hundreds flocked to the shops on Wednesday night – many also stopping off at Colchester Castle as Christmas was celebrated with a free festive spectacular and Dickensian market, which attracted 2,000 people.

Father Christmas was in residence and children enjoyed a quiz giving them the chance to handle some of the museum’s artefacts, while carol singers set the event to music – though some people complained the queues were too long.

Claire Taylor, Colchester Council visitors services officer, said: “It was great to have a really bustling festive event taking over this end of town.

“Most traders sold out of their produce and everyone was very keen to do the market again next year.”

But back on the High Street and other main streets Mrs Reynolds said: “Some retailers can see no difference from last Christmas, some are saying trade is a bit slower than they would expect.

“Everything seems to be happening a bit later this year, and perhaps customers are biding their time in the hope of getting bargains.

“It’s too early to give an overall picture, and we will just have to see what the figures say after Christmas.”

Mrs Reynolds, who runs Head Street print shop Inprint, said that festive discounts on Sunday parking and late-night shopping were helping to get people into the town centre.

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