Tring shopping – not just for Christmas

Many local residents took part in the 6 Shops for Christmas challenge, which encouraged shoppers to buy from the town’s retailers with a chance to win prizes.

And the town’s retailers are keen to ensure that, much like puppies, shopping locally isn’t just for Christmas.

Carolyn Sanders, owner of Almars in the High Street, saw the positive impact of the initiative: ‘Customers really enjoy the process of visiting a shop, touching the product, getting advice from staff and walking away with their purchase the same day. Many customers commented how they had visited shops they wouldn’t normally go into, and were amazed at all the products they could buy in Tring.’

Siân Darvill, director of Collie Print based in Tring, also enjoyed taking part: ‘It was such a great idea. It really encouraged people to shop local and visit shops they might not normally go into, while giving the businesses some extra footfall. I was very lucky to win a fantastic hamper with something for the whole family – from a haircut and beauty voucher to chocolates, bubbles, and beer. I’ll definitely be taking part again next year and would love to see even more shops get involved.’

Shop owners have pledged more incentives to keep our High Street thriving during 2026 and ensure that shopping local is for life, not just for Christmas.

Photo: Sian Darvill receives her prize hamper from Almar’s Chris Sanders