Traders in Braintree and Witham are hoping for a last minute rush in the run-up to Christmas Day to offset disappointing sales so far.
They say trade has been slower than last year and are banking on it picking up by the end of the week.
But in Maldon, some shops are reporting the best Christmas takings ever.
Murray Foster, Maldon town centre manager, said the overall feedback he has received from shopkeepers has been very positive.
"In general everyone has done very well over the Christmas trading period," he said.
"I know that there will always be some shops that do better than others but I think Maldon should be very proud of itself it has definitely held its own in the face of competition from bigger towns like Chelmsford."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, December 22, 2004
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