Colchester Soapbox Rally boosted sales by up to 70%

Colchester Council documents reveal businesses in the city centre reported an average year-on-year uplift in sales of 35 per cent after the event in September last year.

The city’s busiest retailers enjoyed the sound of the tills ringing on September 17, with some businesses reporting a 70 per cent increase in sales.

The council says the soapbox rally drew in 7,000 visitors who were all keen to see quirky karts zip down High Street.

James Channon, who owns Sir Isaac’s Artisan Coffee in Sir Isaac’s Walk, extended his opening hours on the busy Sunday and says businesses across the city centre benefitted from the event thanks to viewing screens in Lion Walk, Culver Square, and Castle Park.

Entrepreneur - James Channon, owner of Sir Isaac's Artisan Coffee (Image: Newsquest)

“Town was buzzing that day,” he said.

“I think every retailer and business benefitted regardless of what they were selling. There was a real varied mix of people and ages and footfall was mostly up across the board.

“It was a really good day for everyone and I’m really looking forward to it returning later this year.”

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Lion Walk Shopping Centre transformed its Courtyard into a cosy seating area where people could watch the event live but away from the hustle and bustle of High Street.

Centre manager Martin Leatherdale agreed many businesses saw a “positive uplift” in sales and confirmed Lion Walk will join in the fun once again when the event returns on September 15.

Business boss - Martin Leatherdale

He said: “The soapbox rally was a roaring success for Lion Walk. Retailers saw an uplift in sales conversions from the increased footfall.

“We look forward to partnering with future events and we look forward to hosting it again in the Courtyard.”

The Our Colchester business improvement district, which organised the event, confirmed in October the event will be returning once again.

At the time, chief executive Sam Good said his team has been “listening to feedback from entrants and the public” to make the next event bigger and better.

“There was such a great atmosphere on the day,” he added.