This Christmas season has brought a mixed bag of results for small businesses across the UK, with many artisans and independent sellers struggling to make sales. Not only do customers have less spending power, but the recent storms have literally blown away many profits.
Pedddle, a platform championing independent markets and creative businesses, has been monitoring the situation closely. As global inflation continues to impact consumer spending, the traditional festive boost for small businesses has not materialised for everyone.
Pedddle’s founder, Nicki Capewell, states “we’ve created the UK’s premier artisan market and stallholder community for it to be an asset to all creative businesses nationwide. You can use Pedddle.com to find local markets and local makers near to where you live, helping everyone shop small and support these creatives, even when you can’t physically attend their markets due to situations like the adverse weather”.
Whilst the festive season is usually a time for bustling markets and increased sales, this year’s economic climate has posed significant challenges for many independent artisans. The rising cost of living has meant that consumers are prioritising essentials over discretionary spending, even during a traditionally generous period like Christmas. Combined with fluctuating foot traffic at in-person markets, these factors have created an unpredictable environment for sellers.
Online sales have also become increasingly competitive, with small businesses struggling to stand out against major retailers offering significant discounts. However, Marketing Manager Rebecca Adams explains, “Pedddle is helping smaller businesses to compete in the online world by blending the magic of traditional marketplaces with SEO, social media and modern marketing techniques, so that they can be discovered and compete seriously with much bigger businesses. Smaller and micro-businesses deserve to be taken seriously too, as they are the backbone of the British economy”.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Despite these hurdles, many small businesses have shown resilience and adaptability, using creative strategies, such as using Pedddle, to reach customers. Some report thriving sales driven by unique products and the appeal of supporting local makers. This diversity of outcomes has highlighted a key insight: small businesses need the right tools, visibility, and community support to navigate and succeed in today’s retail landscape – something which Pedddle does provide.
Pedddle is a platform dedicated to supporting independent businesses, connecting artisans with markets, and showcasing their work to a wider audience. With a mission to champion creativity and community, Pedddle helps small businesses navigate the complexities of selling and ensures their unique stories are shared with the world.
This Christmas may be a tough one for many, so it’s important that we support small businesses wherever possible, and unite as a creative community.
