Footfall at Bradley’s Jewellers York Up 50% as Outdoor Floral Display Excels

Independent jewellery retail business, Bradley’s Jewellers York, has witnessed a 50% uptick in footfall since April 2021 thanks to a new approach to exterior store decoration and window displays.

The business is reporting a doubling of footfall from April to September 2021 in comparison to the same period in 2019 due to investment in spring and autumn themed floral displays that surround its 500-year-old boutique on Low Petergate in the centre of York.

Since installing its debut exterior decorations in April 2021, designed to coincide with the nation’s emergence from social distancing and lockdown measures, the retailer has seen a positive increase in footfall, sales and tourism, which is supported by word-of-mouth recommendations among its loyal local customer base.

Owner, Kay Bradley, says: “Our store is based in a historic, Grade II Listed building and we only have one small window at street level. We decided that decorating the exterior of our store was not only an ideal way to capture attention, but also a positive way to bring colour and happiness back to an area that has been severely impacted by COVID-19. My goal was to bring some joy and vibrancy to Low Petergate and highlight how resilient we are as a city, despite the decline in footfall and tourism.”

On September 19, Bradley’s Jewellers unveiled the autumn edition of its exterior displays, working with the same local team of horticulturalists to create orange, yellow and green blooms that line its window, doorway and the upper window of its private bridal area. On Halloween weekend, the business will install its Christmas decorations, complete with red, green and gold wreaths and holly capturing the spirit of the season.

“Thanks to the power of Instagram, we’ve seen an increase in social media mentions as visitors stop by the front of the store to take pictures,” Kay Bradley continues. “Although this has been a significant investment for our independent small business, I am confident that it has reaped rewards. Now is not the time to be timid on the High Street and we are taking every possible step to future-proof our boutique and ensure its continued success.”

Bradley’s Jewellers York has had a busy 12 months in business with a range of mood-boosting initiatives designed to capture consumer attention. Highlights include a new Rainbow Collection and a corresponding giveaway to an NHS volunteer at the York Vaccination Centre; a new laboratory-grown diamond collection, Eco Rocks; and participation in the upcoming York Ice Trail 2022.