Traders enjoy a good Christmas in Cookstown

In a recent survey carried out in some of the Cookstown district shops, Alan Hogshaw on behalf of Cookstown Chamber of Commerce and Mycookstown.com discovered from shop owners how their stores performed at the busiest time of the year.

Alan said: “In the survey we have found most stores have traded well over Christmas and the New Year and Cookstown is still seen as the retail capital of Mid Ulster. Many store owners would like to pass on their thanks to Cookstown Council and Cookstown Chamber of Commerce for the marketing and work they did to promote the town. In a recession it’s so important to keep marketing your business.”

Several of the business owners felt that the Christmas trading period was indeed a positive one. Ricky Butler on behalf of McQueen’s Jewellers said: “December was a good month with business similar to last year. A lot of people held their spending back to later in the month and in the face of more competition from the internet we are delighted with the result.”

Robert Kee from Kee’s Clothing said: “ Business over Christmas and the New Year has been very good and I’m very positive that 2013 will continue to be successful. I want to thank the council for their hard work in keeping the town tidy and clean.”

Colm, the owner of McMahon’s butchers commented: “ Trade over the Christmas period has been very good. We were well supported by people from the Cookstown district and we look forward to a successful 2013.”

Jim Black, from Black’s shoes said: “ A lot of business was done late in December and the sales have also been very busy. Overall we are delighted with our results and 2012 has turned out to be a good year. The town looked great over Christmas and this in turn attracted new customers to come to Cookstown to shop.”

Cookstown Chamber of Commerce also ran a free draw over the Christmas period throughout the retailers in the town. The winners were as follows: 1st prize - Nora Bell who filled in her ticket in McMahons butchers; 2nd prize - Yvonne Martin who filled in her ticket in McConnell’s 3rd prize - J. Glasgow who filled in her ticket in Cookstown Cafe.

Alan Hogshaw, Chairman of Cookstown Chamber of Commerce added: “ Change is the most powerful force in business today. Most people fear it, the wise embrace it. If we all continue to shop local and support our stores, this in turn will benefit the whole district in 2013.”