Thrapston High Street: ‘It’s tough to compete with the big shops’

Charlotte Crosser has run Jollys Toys & Games in Thrapston for the past 12 years and says independent businesses have “so much to offer” customers.

“It is the experience of going and meeting a shopkeeper,” she says.

“Sometimes you find that item, that you have been looking for, in a physical shop, that is out of stock online or you can’t get it, or it will take too long to get to you.

“Independent shops have a really important part to play, in amongst shopping online and with the big shops as well.”

She says it has been “a tough year” but that shoppers are “feeling very positive about Christmas”.

“People have saved up for Christmas this year, but it’s tough to compete with the big shops,” she said.

“There are just so many other places that [consumers] can choose, so we’re just delighted when they do they do come to us and visit.”