LOCAL retailers have said they are optimistic that this Christmas will be a commercial success.
Like other cities, Plymouth has taken a battering during the recession, with many losing their jobs this year while others tightened their belts.
Eve Wooldridge, Business Improvement District retail manager at Plymouth City Centre Company, said it had been a tough year for retailers, but things were looking up.
She said over the last few months, five or six new stores had opened in the city centre, including the shoe shop Size? and Mr Buns bakery on New George Street, as well as Gamestation, which is housed in the old Priceless shoe store on Armada Way.
Ms Wooldridge said: "At the moment, there's a real mood of optimism. Things picked up in October and business was good following the Christmas lights switch-on."
She said the upcoming West End Christmas Carnival Week, which runs from December 1 to 5, was expected to bring t8 led fluorescent tube even more people into the city centre.
She added: "The retailers are looking forward to Christmas and hoping it will be successful. It's never been a better time for customers - retailers are competing hard and it's a good time for customers to look for big deals."
Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Replica Versace Circus, said this Christmas would be "a difficult one to call".
"Having said that, footfall numbers in Drake Circus are on a par with this time last year and every unit is open, so our offering is stronger than ever," he added.
"I think shoppers are spreading their gift purchases and are being cautious and selective about when and where they spend on Christmas gifts.
"As for the retailers, there is no full sale discounting in Drake Circus, but there are some great offers around and retailers are working hard to build customer loyalty."
He said Boxing Day, which falls on a Saturday this year, would be 'interesting' as the mall will be open from 7am to 7pm, meaning major retailers such as Next would be starting their winter sales a day earlier.
Adam Spiers, director of Michael Spiers jewellers, which has a shop on Cornwall Street, said the company was looking forward to the Christmas trading period "with optimism".
He added: "Over the past few months we have seen far more confidence on the high street. Without a doubt, the consumer is looking for far better quality, service and value - and, indeed, deserves this.
"Many independent retailers are currently bucking the downward trend due to offering an enhanced buying experience that the larger stores just cannot offer."
Val Cass, owner of gift shop Beaux Cadeaux at Frankfort Gate, said business was even better than usual.
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She said: "We've had quite a good year so far. We class Christmas shopping from October to December and it gets a bit busier each month, so far it's good.
"We opened three years ago so we're becoming more well established," she added.
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