With Black Friday fast approaching, shoppers are stepping up their Christmas gift searches and it is gin that seems to be top of the pops in Ipswich.
Maud’s Attic, Hopsters, and Zeebra Chic have all found their gin related products are a hit with customers.
Heather Carr, owner of Zeebra Chic in Dial Lane, said: “It has been the gin and the prosecco items that are really popular this year, there has been a run on certain things.”
Wendy Childs, owner of Maud’s Attic in St Peter’s Street, has found prosecco has been surpassed by gin, which has become a national favourite in recent years.
She said: “It was prosecco last year, it is gin this year, I have sold a lot of gin related things. Rum is getting quite big too.”
Ed Barnes, who is the manager of craft ale store Hopsters, has also noticed the trend.
He added: “Christmas beers and small-batch gin are the most popular at present. We have over 250 beers in stock plus new gin arriving every week.”
With just over a month to go until the big day, Maud’s Attic has noticed an increase in the amount of consumers starting Christmas shopping earlier this year.
Wendy revealed: “I am as busy if not busier than last year, I think people are starting earlier this year.
“Ladies accessories and fashion are some of my biggest sellers - I have sold a dozen scarfs already today, three handbags and loads of gloves. My gloves just sell and sell. Any ladies accessories are very popular.”
Children’s toy shop, The Entertainer, are also noticing the increase of eager shoppers.
James Sturch, store manager of The Entertainer, said: “The Christmas rush really started the back end of last week. We are doing reasonably well compared to last year but I think people are really waiting for that next pay day for them to start buying.”
At Zeebra Chic Christmas trade is steady and they believe customers are waiting before they purchase Christmas gifts.
Heather said: “We always find this time of year that everyone comes to see what’s about and then they tend to come back later to buy.
“But we have had days where we have been busy but more towards the weekend.
“The only thing with us is because we are so small and unique we don’t have masses of stock, so when they do come back sometimes the item isn’t there.”
Gin might be a trend amongst the shops but there are plenty of other products in high demand.
Mauds Attic: On top of gin and women’s accessories this store is selling a lot of flamingo and peacock themed items. Wendy finds that anything animal related does really well for her.
The Entertainer: The LOL doll range is flying out according to store manager, Mr Sturch. As well as Barbie products, remote control cars, and Lego.
Zeebra Chic: Christmas decorations have been a hit at this independent shop, especially their hummingbird.
H Samuel: “We have a bit of a mixture really but mainly watches, earrings, and diamonds,” store manger, Jo Cole explained.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here