Click and Collect has become the buzz term for Christmas shoppers this year.

On-line sales this season are predicted to top £13 BILLION nationwide. This means shoppers are staying at home to browse the internet and place orders.

But 1,000s are still travelling to pick up the items and, whilst they are in town, taking the time visit the shops and restaurants. New ones are opening all the time in Bedford ensuring there is something to interest visitors.

So Bedford has to compete on all fronts and use the latest technology to support our traditional town centre.

Users of lovebedford.co.uk website trebled to 12,000 in November – with a huge spike on the 25th and 26th as people logged on to find details of the Christmas fireworks, sponsored by BedfordBID and other festive fun activities designed to bring people into the town centre.

These live events continue on December 12th, 13th and 14th with the Christmas Fair in Harpur Square and Midland Road together many more. Again all listed on lovebedford.co.uk – which has become THE go-to website for people wanting to know what is on where and when in Bedford.

Like all town centres, Bedford has to compete with out of town retail parks where parking is free all year round. But FREE PARKING is available in the town centre at key retail times. Check the Christmas section of the website for full details.