'We aim to showcase the success of our bustling High Street'

Independent shop owners in Hexham, Northumberland, have come together to produce a Christmas advertisement highlighting the recent revival of the towns High Street. The video, which has already garnered thousands of views on social media, features 15 local business owners and showcases the towns evolving business scene.

Laura Brownsteele, who launched the gift shop Lore of Hexham with her husband Stephen in 2024, said she represents a wave of new independent traders revitalizing Hexhams commercial community.

She explained: "We wanted to share with people, especially those who havent visited Hexham in a while, just how much the town has transformed and become more vibrant."

In 2023, the government allocated approximately 1.5 million to support the rejuvenation of Hexhams town centre. Over recent years, new businesses have steadily opened, helping the High Street recover from the empty storefronts left behind after the pandemic.

"The town centre used to feel a bit lifeless," Brownsteele said. "But recently, theres been this surge of energy as new shops opened, which then encouraged even more openings. Walking around today feels very different compared to when we first arrived four years ago."

The Christmas advert premiered at Hexhams Forum Cinema and has been met with enthusiastic responses. Local traders noted that the towns recent Christmas shopping night was noticeably busier than in previous years.

A Unique Community Effort

Lindsey Birney, owner of Mr Wolf Toy Shop, conceived the advert, which creatively retells the story of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'. She described the project as a joyful first collaboration of its kind for the towns businesses.

"All the businesses came together to craft something special a festive message celebrating community, creativity, and the charm of shopping local in Hexham," Birney said.

Reshma Begum from the Federation of Small Business emphasized the importance of the Christmas season for small retailers and hospitality businesses, referring to it as their "golden quarter."

Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, added: "When people choose to shop with independent stores, they arent just buying gifts they are supporting local jobs, sustaining their community, and preserving the unique character of their town centre."

Analysis: Hexham’s High Street Revival Gains Momentum

The recent Christmas advertisement by Hexham’s independent shop owners reflects a tangible revival of the town’s High Street. Featuring 15 local businesses, the video highlights the growing vibrancy of Hexham’s commercial community and has already attracted thousands of views on social media.

Local entrepreneurs, such as Laura Brownsteele of Lore of Hexham, emphasize that new independent traders are driving this transformation. Their presence not only diversifies the town centre but also encourages further business openings, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of growth.

Government support, including a £1.5 million investment in 2023, has contributed to the rejuvenation. Coupled with increased footfall during events like the recent Christmas shopping night, the High Street is clearly experiencing renewed activity after pandemic-related decline.

The collaborative nature of the Christmas advert, initiated by Lindsey Birney, underlines the importance of community effort. As noted by industry representatives, supporting local businesses sustains jobs, preserves the town’s character, and strengthens the economy. Hexham’s example demonstrates how independent retailers can play a central role in revitalizing town centres across the UK.

Sources:

• 'We want to show people our thriving High Street'