Norwich shops hope tills to keep ringing for sales

And retail workers may breathe a sigh of relief that one of their busiest periods is finally over - or is it?

So how important is the Yuletide week - the void between Christmas and new year where time seemingly doesn't exist - for Norwich's independent businesses?

Jonny George, manager of Elements in Lower Goat Lane, said: "The run-up to Christmas has been really good and the time between Christmas and New Year is traditionally our busiest week of the year.

Manager Jonny George, left, and owner Paul Dodd, at Elements in Lower Goat Lane, Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Everyone feels like a millionaire with their vouchers or cash they got for Christmas - for about five minutes they feel like Del Boy.

"It's an important time for us. But things have changed.

"People now offer discounts before Christmas and get in there early as opposed to the traditional Boxing Day sales.

Christmas shoppers in Gentlemans Walk, Norwich on December 23, 2022 (Image: Denise Bradley)

"But since Covid, especially down Norwich Lanes, businesses have thrived because we can adapt quickly."

Over in Norwich's Royal Arcade, Madeleine White is celebrating her first Christmas with a brick-and-mortar store.

The Juni and Co owner said: "We've had a good few months and we're looking forward to rounding off the year that way.

Madeleine White, chief executive, and her mum, Suzanne, director, at the official opening of their make-up business JUNI & CO in the Royal Arcade (Image: Newsquest)

"We've had requests to be open.

"We're not a big Boxing Day/January sales business, but it's an important time for us to cater to our clientele.

"Everything is so fast-paced and ever-changing. There's not been a steady trend for many years now and I don't know if they'll ever come back.

Christmas shoppers at the Royal Arcade, Norwich on December 23, 2022 (Image: Denise Bradley)

"But the fact that we're here shows the value of the high street."

Jessica Fellas of Jipola, like many of her fellow St Augustines Street businesses, has decided to close between Christmas and new year.

"I can't imagine it being a busy time for us," she admitted.

Jessica Fellas, florist at Jipola (Image: Archant 2021)

"I've always thought that big brands can offer discounts.

"If everyone on the street was open, it'd be a different ballgame.

"Because we're out of the centre, people don't want to come and risk us not being open.

"We do need some down-time after working flat-out.

"Maybe it's something for us to consider."