Sparkling lights, late night shopping and a guaranteed value awaits anyone heading to Lossiemouth this weekend for the official opening of the Christmas shopping season.
The lights will be turned on amid the usual razzmatazz with a funfair along the promenade accompanied by on-stage entertainment and a collection of trade and charity stands.
This year is a little different, however, as Lossiemouth’s local shops join others around Moray in promoting the ‘shop local’ message.
Local shops in the town are hoping to get off to a seasonal flyer and will be open late on Saturday to show just what they have to offer to the many locals and visitors who are expected to flock to the promenade.
Shops like the Crafty Gifts and DIY store, which earlier this year reinvented itself under new owners from its previous role as a hardware store.
While retaining traditional DIY goods on the premises, the shop now acts as a magnet for the many talented craft workers in the area, with Natasha McCrae determined that the best products from local people are given pride of place – an outlet where their products can be seen in a bright and cheery environment.
Natasha told insideMoray: “This is an important weekend for us and for all local shops in the town – it is an opportunity for people who are perhaps not even aware of our presence to pop in and take a look, I’m sure they will be pleasantly surprised. They can also enjoy free tea, coffee and mince pies in the shop on Saturday when we will remain open until 8pm
“There as so many wonderfully talented craft workers in Lossiemouth and the surrounding area – making their creations the perfect Christmas gift for friends or family.”
Diversification is the name of the game for Natasha who insists that if shops in communities such as Lossiemouth are to survive they need to be creative.
She said: “As well as the craft goods we also have a cake-tin hire service, carpet cleaner hire, home do-it-yourself supplies – and lots more.
“We are also taking part in the ‘Small Business Saturday’ promotion that will see many small shops in Moray offering a 10% discount on every sale on Saturday, December 6.”
Another shop open for business during Saturday evening’s festivities will be Harbour Treasures – who are also opening late on Friday evening when owner Jenny Brown will be serving wine and nibbles to customers and offering a 20% discount to shoppers.