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- How to support your high street - and keep your cool - this Christmas
How to support your high street - and keep your cool - this Christmas
Our beautiful Tudor town comes alive at this time of year, the buildings, streets and alleyways lit up with Christmas trees and fairy lights, the festive markets in the square, carolling and festive music fills the town and the cafes, bars and restaurants bustling with festive spirit and range of independent shops full of wonderful gifts and stocking fillers, the whole atmosphere is magical and you can see why it was voted the best high street in Britain (The Telegraph).
However for many the larger crowds, louder music and travel disruption can feel overstimulating, overwhelming and stressful.
So whether you are neurodivergent, suffer from social anxiety, it feels too much for your nervous system or the town is inaccessible this year I have put together some ideas for managing Christmas shopping on the high street this year with less stress.
Bring your high street online - For those who suffer with sensory overwhelm and the thought of going into Shrewsbury at this time of year feels too much or are unable to get into town, then online shopping is the answer - and not with the shop named after the rainforest. You can support your local independents - the ones who really appreciate each and every sale - from home. Most have websites with their stock listed, or often they will also post gift ideas on social media with a link to buy. If there is something specific you want or have any questions then contact the shop directly and they will almost always be happy to assist you.
Plan Ahead - The shops start getting busy mid morning, so aim to get there before the crowds, first thing.
Make a list of the things you want and a budget to stick to so you don’t get overwhelmed by choice or risk overspending.
Plan your travel, whether you will walk, where you are going to park, or a good option at this time of year is the park and ride and you still have the option to wear a face mask if being in crowds makes you feel uneasy.
Take noise reducing ear plugs with you or play some soothing music on headphones.
Sensory Breaks - We are lucky to have a lot of green space within the town centre that you can go to for a mindful moment when things feel overwhelming. There is The Quarry, which has many places to sit and places to get a coffee. In the centre of town there is Old St Chads, a small green area off Belmont and also the other end of town is the Castle grounds.
Don't get Hungry or Thirsty - Make sure you take water with you, all the cafes in town will refill your water container for you.
If the cafes and restaurants are too busy for you then most do takeaways so you can get something to eat or drink and then go and sit quietly in one of the green spaces.
Shrewsbury does have many neuro affirming and inclusive cafes that also have accessible toilets including the Old Market Hall Cafe in the Square and the Museum Cafe.
Asking and accepting help - If reading is a problem for you then don’t be afraid to ask a shop assistant for help reading something for you, they will be more than happy to.
Wrapping presents can be overwhelming for some, so take advantage of shops gift wrapping services which are usually free.
Finally if you do need help or support in any way whilst you are shopping in Shrewsbury then please ask someone, people are always willing to help, one thing that sets Shrewsbury apart and is special about our town is how friendly and kind it is at any time of year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping!
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