Christmas trade was “really strong” for Cilla & Camilla Cookshops in Bridport and Sherborne. Richard Barker, director of the Dorset chain reflects: “This trend followed from what we saw after the first lockdown with more people cooking and baking at home.”
Like other businesses in market towns, Cilla & Camilla has been benefiting from local shoppers. “Customers who might have made Christmas shopping trips to Bath, Bristol or Exeter, have stayed local and those who might have travelled abroad have stayed at home,” confirms Richard. “Since re-opening in April, we have seen consistently high numbers of visitors to Dorset.” He acknowledges: “We see all the influences which have boosted trade through 2021 continuing well into the future. We are quietly and modestly confident about 2022.”
Meanwhile, footfall in Cilla & Camilla’s boutique department store in Beaminster (stocking kitchenware) was boosted by the nearby location of a busy vaccination centre in the Town Hall. “The Centre attracted hundreds of people from the local region – up to perhaps a 30 mile radius – many of whom then stayed on in the town to shop,” notes Richard.
- Top: Cilla & Camilla, Beaminster.
