COLCHESTER retailers enjoyed a successful Christmas period, reporting increased sales across the board, despite the cost-of-living crisis.

Retailers in the city centre were able to exceed forecasted sales despite a reduced footfall since the pre-pandemic Christmas of 2019.

Independent stores shared in the success with Bill and Bert’s, Dear Grace and Minerva Chocolates all reporting a festive period which far surpassed expectations.

Traders have chalked the successful Christmas period town to several factors with late night shopping being heralded as ‘phenomenal’ and the Christmas light switch-on leaving retailers on the front foot.

Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk shopping centre manager, said: “It’s been a pleasantly surprising Christmas all round for Colchester town centre with retailers across the board exceeding sales forecasts.

“This year saw the first late night shopping on Wednesday, November 16, and combined efforts of switching on all the lights across the town, with a parade that walked from Mercury to Firstsite, and finished with the grand finale at Lion Walk.

“It really was phenomenal with up to 10,000 attendees and started Christmas on the front foot for everyone whilst showcasing the towns treasured landmarks, there was even a fantastic Christmas market. A sure recipe for continued success next year.”

Mr Leatherdale added Colchester Council plans to expand on this year’s success, with projects to come in the new year.

He said: “There is more good news to come in the new year, as optimistic plans for Debenhams and M&S will start to come to fruition, as will many regeneration projects including St Nicholas Square and unveiling original Roman mosaics in Lion Walk.”

Bill Nettlefield, of Bill and Bert’s, and independent retailer in Lion Walk, said: “It’s been a record Christmas, late night shopping was brilliant.

“This was our fourth Christmas at Bill and Bert’s, and we have enjoyed our best Christmas since opening. Our loyal and new customers were able to enjoy mulled wine and late-night shopping, it was an extremely successful period for us.

“We look forward to celebrating another festive period with the fantastic shoppers of Colchester.”