Santa and Small Business Saturday at the Exchange

Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre Manager, Lorenzo O'Reilly with Town Centre Manager Paul Ambrose and Joanna Jones, owner of Jojo's Handmade Home

It was a busy weekend at Rochdale Exchange, when both Santa and the annual Small Business Saturday arrived at the centre and both proved very popular.

Younger Christmas shoppers lined up in anticipation of seeing Santa in his sleigh.

Older customers went to visit the Small Business market, and now in its third year, offering a range of fantastic stalls from business owners across the town, showcasing great gifts ideas.

Joanna Jones, owner of Jojo’s Handmade Home, said: “I had a lovely day. 

“I was overwhelmed by the amazing comments I received from shoppers.

“I had numerous visitors tell me how wonderful it was to have local stall holders selling so many unique products in Rochdale.

“I’m very proud to be able to offer the Rochdale townspeople the chance to see, not just hand-made items, but the love and passion I put into all that I make.

“It was such a successful day that it would be great to have something like Small Business Saturday run as a regular event as it clearly benefits so many.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre manager, said: “The day was a huge success. Santa, as always was a huge hit with families and I’m sure he will be kept busy meeting lots of children over the next few weeks as we build up towards Christmas Day.

“It was especially positive to see our Small Business Saturday event attract so many shoppers.

“We believe its vitally important to support local enterprises and provide them with a platform in which to showcase their produce, as the quality of goods and the care taken with each and every stall at the market, is excellent.”