‘Best-ever’ Birdman launches strong sales
Around 6,000 people each day gathered on Worthing seafront to enjoy the internationally-broadcast event, and traders reported strong performances as a result.
In the case of the Mens Gift Shop, in Montague Street, sales had rocketed by 70 per cent on last year’s Birdman weekend – something owner Michael Smith was not anticipating.
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Hide AdHe said: “It was a little bit surprising, as we have not seen the event make a huge difference in previous years.
“We had really good sales in the morning, it was a bit slow from 12pm-2pm, and after that it took off.
“We had increased footfall in the shop, and as a result, increased sales.”
Candy Love, in Montague Street, had a 28 per cent rise on Saturday, and 35 per cent increase on Sunday.
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Hide AdOwner Paul O’Brien said: “This year was particularly good, and it was very busy. I spoke to a couple of other traders, who also did very well.”
Popular café Parklife did not notice a change, however, although they did not open on Sunday, and are regularly at full capacity at the weekend.
Owner Mike Corrigan said: “It’s not a negative. It’s a great event for the town.
“We were very busy on Saturday, and I don’t think we could have done much more. But Saturdays are always busy for us.”
For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, August 15.