Tewkesbury Retailers launch Discount Evening
A number of Tewkesbury retailers have taken the initiative by getting together with their own plan to tackle the recession. This Thursday 25th February, 9 shops have decided not only to extend their opening times, but to also offer discounts to shoppers.
Building on an idea originally hatched and implemented by Kerry from fashion store, M & Co, the plan has gained momentum both in terms of ideas and numbers.
Kerry had been opening later on a regular basis, having been inspired by Retailing Guru Mary Portas, who visited Tewkesbury and based an episode of the Money Programme around Tewkesbury High Street and the challenges it was facing.
The lasting impression from her visit was that the onus is on local businesses to work together, improving their offer to the public and to respond to their customers’ needs.
This drove Kerry from M & Co to start opening later with a view to accommodate customers who might otherwise not be able to shop in Tewkesbury during normal opening hours. The idea has caught on quickly and this week will see Retailers participating, though naturally there is space for more businesses to participate if they wish!
James Hayward of The Tewkesbury Cookshop said, this is a concerted effort on the part of local businesses who recognise that in order to remain a competitive, attractive option for shoppers we have to adapt to meet their needs.
Steve Cooper from Cartridge World, one of the businesses taking part, has committed to printing posters to promote the event free of charge.
Here is a summary of the businesses taking part & discounts offered:
TEWKESBURY
DISCOUNT EVENING
THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2010
EXCLUSIONS APPLY – SEE INDIVIDUAL STORES
COME TO TEWKESBURY – BAG A BARGAIN!!
Finally, Why not round your evening off with a smashing meal at My Great Grandfathers Restaurant who are offering 20% off and will be open from 6 to 10pm.
The other key recommendation from Mary Portas was that Tewkesbury should brand itself – a recommendation that was embraced by Tewkesbury Chambers Of Commerce, with the pro bono assistance of Vivid Consultancy.
Tewkesbury now has its own logo which has been readily adopted by many local businesses including ourselves on our work wear, as well as Abbey Carpets who are displaying the logo on their vehicles.
