Newcastle’s Christmas Market Increases Footfall into the City Ahead of Black Friday Weekend
Newcastle’s Christmas Market is on track to deliver another exceptional season for the city, with record footfall in the market’s opening week, from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd November. This builds on the record-breaking performance of last year’s market, which set a new benchmark as the most successful year to date.
Despite some challenging weather, including a flurry of snow in the first week, the market is performing extremely well. Traders are delighted by the strong visitor numbers, a sentiment echoed by surrounding businesses, many of whom have noted an increase in custom since the market’s launch, as well as a welcome reduction in antisocial behaviour in the area.
Eldon Square has reported a 9% increase in footfall compared to the same period last year, a rise they attribute as largely driven by visitors to the Christmas Markets, and one which is over three times higher than the national average increase for shopping centres of 2.9%.
With 84% of the traders and suppliers based within 20 miles of Newcastle, the market continues to prioritise local North East products and high-quality experiences, an approach that is paying dividends. Early feedback from stallholders and visitors has been very positive. One local artisan trader, who is taking part for the first time, has secured several new national stockists.
Commenting on the positive start to the Christmas Market, Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1, said: “We are delighted with the early success of the market and are extremely hopeful that it bodes well for the next four weeks. The weather hasn’t dampened the festive spirit or deterred visitors and the increase in footfall in surrounding businesses is fantastic to see. Newcastle’s Christmas Market is designed with a distinct North East flavour, and it is attracting visitors into the city from far and wide, driving footfall into businesses across the city, but especially into those that surround the market.
“Delivering an event of this scale and duration at such a busy time of year will always have teething troubles, but working collaboratively with businesses, traders, the council and other interested parties, we are working hard to ensure that the markets deliver significant benefits for the whole city.
“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far, and we look forward to another successful four weeks.”
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Since I have been Leader of the City Council there has been recognition among partners that we wanted to ensure more local traders would be represented in the market and it showcased everything that is great about this city and region.
“This year’s market is one of the best yet and the data clearly shows that it’s not just benefiting those traders in the market itself, but it is driving footfall to other businesses across the city. That doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from months of planning, design and consultation.
“We have worked closely with NE1 and their ongoing engagement with city centre businesses means that when issues have arisen, they’ve been addressed quickly. The markets have had visitors from across the world enjoying the best of what Tyneside has to offer – it certainly makes me proud to be a Geordie.”
Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square, commented: “The Christmas markets are a huge asset to the city centre, adding to the dynamism of Newcastle during the festive season. Here at Eldon Square, it is positive to see the demonstrable uplift in city centre visitation, as well as the overall vibrancy it adds to the city centre. As Newcastle continues to evolve as a leading tourist destination, experiential offerings such as the market are a great way for us to show our value on the global stage.”
John Grant, General Manager of Banyan Newcastle, based on Blackett Street, said: “With the Christmas Market taking place on our doorstep, we see a lot of people coming through the doors who might not have visited us otherwise. Whether they’re stopping in for a coffee, getting warm, or sheltering from the weather, the extra footfall has been a huge benefit.
"We’ve also seen a noticeable drop in antisocial behaviour since the market opened, which has really improved the environment around our venue. All in all, the Christmas market has had a very positive impact for us.”
Corinne Lewis-Ward, Owner of Powder Butterfly, one of the local traders at this year’s Newcastle’s Christmas Market, said: "As a small business based in the city, being part of Newcastle's Christmas Market has been a brilliant experience and a fantastic opportunity to share the business I’ve spent 14 years building with completely new audiences. The response has been incredibly positive, and it’s helped amplify what we do in the region, highlight our work with British manufacturers, and even open the door to new stockist opportunities. It’s been a real reminder of why taking part in events like this matters for small independent makers.
“What’s also been great about the Christmas market is that I have had customers from all over the UK (Ireland, Scotland, Midlands, London, Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester, Wales) together with lots of local customers, and international visitors from Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, California, the Philippines, China and Kuwait.”
A roster of new businesses will be joining Newcastle’s Christmas Market from this Friday, 28th November.
On Grainger Street:
The Yolker will be replaced with All Things Bloom Art
Powder Butterfly / NEToon is changing to Perfect Blend NE
At the Monument:
Stix Studio is changing to Thatype
Baltic Shop is changing to VS Aromas
On Nelson Street:
Urban Silver Jewellery is being replaced with Lucy Frances May Design
