Latest News
Lansdowne Centre customer numbers are up from about 30 per cent over 2019, the last pre-pandemic holiday season.
Photo courtesy Lansdowne Centre
Richmondites buying local this holiday season
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 10:36 PST, Mon December 20, 2021
—
Richmondites are exercising their generosity this year when it comes to buying gifts for loved ones. And in doing so, they’re also helping to support local businesses that have felt the pandemic’s impacts.
At A Monkey Tree Emporium in Steveston, a staff representative confirms there have been more customers than last year and people are spending about 10 to 15 per cent more.
And at Splash Toy Shop across the road, owner Beth McKercher says people are spending less time browsing, instead coming into the store with a purpose or shopping online wherever possible.
“I think people are missing that in-person Christmas experience, and they want to make sure it’s an extra special year,” she says.
“We’re selling a lot more European toys, a lot more educational and quality STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys that are really going to make the kids think and be creative.”
At Lansdowne Centre, popular items include home decor, electronics—particularly mobile devices—and toys. Marketing manager Bronwyn Bailey says there’s also been a return to dining out at the mall’s full-service restaurants. In all, she says 2021 numbers are up by about 30 per cent over 2019, perhaps due to the mall’s mix of tenants which include many essential services.
“I’m really pleased to see people coming back and supporting local retailers,” says Bailey. “One insight that I’ve found really interesting is that people are so aware of the (global) supply chain issues that shoppers are buying off the shelf more than I would have expected with online shopping and everybody being much more comfortable with e-commerce. People are not wanting to order online and take the risk of delivery times, they’re coming in and actually buying in-stock merchandise from brick and mortar retailers.”
Shopping trends are following suit at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport, with a 25 per cent improvement in visitors to put the number on par with 2019 levels, according to McArthurGlen Group marketing manager Ally Day.
However, not all stores are experiencing more traffic. A staff representative at Michael Hill jewellery store, located in Richmond Centre, says customer traffic this year is lower than last year.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
