Christmas shopping on Island better than expected

Christmas shopping on the Island last year is said to have been better than expected.

While shoppers in the UK spent more in December 2024 compared with the year before, it wasn't enough to make up for an overall 'lacklustre' year for retailers.

But Business Isle of Man says, anecdotally, early indicators suggest footfall on the high street was good here.

Steve Pickett is its chair as well as CEO of the Jaks Group, while Tim Cowsill is its chief executive:

Since the publication of this article, Business Isle of Man has given Manx Radio the following statement:

"Business Isle of Man would like to clarify that the observations regarding footfall data made by the Chair of Business Isle of Man referenced in this article were made in regards to his business, and were based on his own observations in regards to footfall.

"They do not represent any formal indicators received by Business Isle of Man. 

"Other retailers may have a different assessment of the trading period.

"Business Isle of Man will provide a comment on footfall data after review in the coming weeks."