Opinion: Let the tills ring out for Christmas

From the endless aisles of digital stores to the laden shelves of bricks-and-mortar shops, from distribution centres to customers’ doorsteps, it’s all systems go.

While shopping habits may be changing, the second half of the year remains the big money-spinner for many retailers.

The frenzy of consumption typically provokes grumps to complain that the true meaning of Christmas has been sacrificed on the altar of commerce, a complaint now as much a tradition as the Queen’s Speech.

Retailers need not apologise for making money, whatever the time of year –  3 million jobs is one good reason why.

But after a year in which bad retail news, such as the collapse of BHS and working conditions at Sports Direct, have dominated the headlines, it’s worth contextualising retail’s success in a bigger picture.

Successful retailers make money not just because they provide life’s necessities, but because they add to the gaiety of nations and they do it for rich and poor alike.

In this final Christmas trading week, retailers will do their bit to boost the festive spirit.

“Retailers need not apologise for making money, whatever the time of year –  3 million jobs is one good reason why”

Whether it’s a hamper from Fortnum & Mason for the well-heeled, or turkey and all the trimmings from Lidl for those on a tight budget, everybody can enjoy seasonal treats with family and friends thanks to the democratisation of quality food that retailers have delivered for consumers.

Whether it’s a signature fashion piece from Jigsaw or a stocking-filler from Poundland, it’s retailers that provide the abundance of choice of gifts that light up faces.

Retail provides far more than material goods and it does so all year round, not just at Christmas, through its support for a multitude of good causes nationwide and beyond.

You only need to think of the sustained environmental initiatives from B&Q or Marks & Spencer. Or the work with food banks by Tesco and other big grocers. Or the ex-offenders’ employment scheme run by Timpson.

And it’s hard to name a retailer that does not adopt a charity or two over the year.

“Let the tills ring out for Christmas, because everybody is poorer if they don’t”

There’s Iceland’s support for UCL Dementia Research, the Co-op’s work with British Red Cross to combat loneliness or the White Stuff Foundation that backs more than 100 local charities to give just three examples.

As the New Year approaches, often a time for reflection, retailers can take satisfaction from the myriad ways that their business success allows them to contribute to society’s greater good.

So let the tills ring out for Christmas, because everybody is poorer if they don’t.

All the best from all of us at Retail Week for a happy, prosperous and fulfilling Christmas and New Year.