People are Choosing Between Feeding Their Pets or Themselves
In the current economic climate, many pet owners face an unimaginable dilemma: whether to feed their beloved pets or themselves. This heart-wrenching choice has sparked the establishment of initiatives aimed at alleviating the burden.

The Growing Need for Pet Food Assistance
Louise Colledge, founder of the West Bromwich Emergency Pet Pantry, highlights the sacrifices some make for their pets: A lot of people think you shouldn’t have a pet if you can’t feed it, but it’s a bigger picture than that. This sentiment resonates deeply among the community, where dedicated individuals are stepping in to provide crucial support.

– Founders’ Inspiration: Anita Arthur and Robert Miller established Animal Foodbank UK after volunteering with animal charities. They recognized the alarming issue of pet owners struggling to provide for their animals, particularly since many food banks do not offer pet food.

– Expansion of Services: What began as two £20 donations has blossomed into a network of over 120 volunteers across the UK, helping nearly 6,000 pet owners. Over the past three years, Animal Foodbank UK, now a registered charity, has donated a staggering 150,000 meals to pets in need throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

Read More : https://globalfinserve.com/peo....ple-are-choosing-bet

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London's West End bucks Christmas shopping trends

In an unexpected twist this holiday season, London’s West End is defying national Christmas shopping trends. With a significant uptick in footfall, central London is once again the go-to destination for festive shopping.

Strong Footfall Numbers
– Pre-Black Friday Surge: In the week leading up to Black Friday, footfall in the West End increased by 9% compared to the same week in 2024, according to the New West End Company (NWEC).
– Black Friday Week Growth: Throughout Black Friday week, visitor numbers rose by 4.1%, followed by an additional 6.2% in the following week.
– December Weekend Boost: The weekend of December 6th-7th saw substantial traffic due to the pedestrianization of Regent Street and live performances along Oxford Street.

NWEC noted that this period demonstrated real momentum, contrasting sharply with the national trend of declining retail sales reported by the Office of National Statistics.

The Impact of Events
The festive atmosphere was further amplified by specific events:
– Regent Street’s Traffic-Free Weekend: Footfall on Regent Street surged by 33.7% year-on-year during this event.
– Live Performances on Oxford Street: The following day brought a 25.1% rise in foot traffic, thanks to on-street festive activations and enticing in-store offers.

These gatherings successfully drew crowds, leading to a rush of shoppers keen to take part in the vibrant holiday festivities.

Shopper Sentiments
On the busy streets of Oxford, shoppers had their own festive plans:
– One local shared, John Lewis for coffee, followed by Selfridges, and then maybe steak for lunch. She emphasized that their day would be filled with chatter, food, and shopping.
– Interestingly, many shoppers reported completing their Christmas shopping early in the month. One man stated proudly, Not last minute at all, while another admitted he preferred to wait, saying, I like to get into the spirit, opting to finish his shopping in one department store just days before Christmas.

Conclusion
As the holiday shopping frenzy continues, London’s West End stands out as a beacon of consumer enthusiasm, showcasing an impressive resilience against prevailing trends. With an array of engaging events, bustling footfall, and diverse shopping experiences, it’s clear that the West End remains a vital hub for Christmas shopping, even amid unforeseen challenges.