Chelmsford retail bosses are optimistic of a bumper Christmas shopping spree, despite early fears that roadworks could scupper sales.
Both of the county town's major shopping centres are reporting positive signs that this could be the third successful Christmas in a row.
High Chelmer manager Mick McDonagh said: "Things have stepped up a gear this week. There was a depression last month in sales, particularly with fashion, but everything has picked up in the last week.
"It is still too early to say, but retailers could be in line for a bumper Christmas.
"There was going to be no middle path this year, with traders facing either a Christmas cracker or a turkey but, so far, it's a cracker!"
Meadows boss Malcolm Tilsed said: "Trading is certainly going very well, and some of our stores are beating their rival branches in other towns across Essex. Some are 30 per cent up on last year."
Published Friday, December 13, 2002
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