It's always been a battle to get local businesses involved with the Extravaganza. in the late '80s, early '90s the manager of M & S became involved and lent the store's upper floor as a meeting place. Likewise, the Victoria centre and a couple of other big names in town became involved, albeit on the periphery. Several stores, however, reported that takings dropped during the Extravaganza, so they were fairly reluctant to take part.