Smalls businesses concerned about Xmas sales

A new study released ahead of Black Friday has revealed that nearly a quarter (22%) of small businesses say they will close in the next 12 months if they have a ‘below average’ Christmas trading season, with nearly 1 in 10 (8%) saying they would shut up shop in a matter of weeks. An additional 12% say they ‘could’ close if they don’t hit their targets.

The figures lay bare the reality that many small businesses in the UK face and the need for consumers to shop with independent traders this Christmas – including during the key period of Black Friday. The Christmas trading season is key for many small businesses, with 45% of owners saying the period is important and a quarter (24%) going so far as to say it’s vital. The research also found that whilst most British shoppers (85%) consider themselves to be someone who supports small businesses, a third (33%) have not purchased anything from one in the past six months.

Aston spoke to Holly Tucker MBE, co founder of online marketplace, Not On The High Street to discuss the research that says a quarter of small businesses say they’re facing closure if Christmas sales tank.