A PORTHMADOG businesswoman is asking shoppers to support independent shops this Christmas.

Sian Ellen Cowper, of Browsers Bookshop, made an impassioned plea on social media for people to support the town’s traders, stating her business had suffered its worst year of trading in 46 years.

All businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, but just as the situation was started to improve slightly, with a busy summer and the promise of Christmas trade, the Omicron variant has affected trade throughout the region.

In a video on Facebook, Sian - who runs Browsers with husband Ben - asks people who haven’t done their Christmas shopping yet “to consider doing it on the high street or with small businesses online”.

She added: “I think I am not alone in admitting this year has been very hard as a high street retailer - it’s been our worst year in 46 years of trading. November was dreadful, December, so far, isn’t really much better and as a retailer you hope it’s going to be a stonker because that’s the revenue you use to pay your bills between January and Easter.

“I’m sure we’re not alone so please consider supporting your local, independent high street businesses.”

Sian told the Cambrian News she understands people might be reluctant to venture out, but lots of businesses have websites and orders can also be taken over the phone.