WelcomeTown Centre Retailer Meeting

Why the hell am I here?

• I’m not a retailer

• I’m not known to most of you

• I’m not a member of the Chamber’s leadership team

BUT I AM

• A proud and frustrated local

• A business person with a sales & marketing background

• A customer!

• Free

Why the hell are you here?

• You want more customers?

• You want to make more money?

• You want to part of a more lively community?

• You want a better life for your family?

• Because you recognise you’re stronger together?

Can I assume “YES” - to all 5?

Tonight’s objectives….

• To see if there’s a united will and commitment to

make this a better place to do business?

• To get the explicit support of the Chamber to support

a new approach to the Town Centre

SWOT Analysis – The Town Centre

Strengths• An active local community with money• Willingness for change• The supermarkets attract a wider

audience

Weaknesses• Geography• No idea of a plan or vision• Little coordination of retailers• Little coordination of influential groups• Mixed retail standards• Lack of interest/attractions• No online presence

Opportunities• A collective plan for the Town Centre• Collective effort• More visitors from the supermarkets• More than a “retail only” experience• ..But a better retail experience too• Taking the High Street “Online”

Threats• Lack of will and unified approach• Lack of support from groups of

influence• Local NIMBY’s

What’s Needed?….

• Clear leadership and vision

• A joined-up plan for the Town Centre, not just the

High St

• All retailers to become engaged

• All groups of influence to meet and agree a united

plan

• Free parking

What this isn’t

• A Trojan Horse for pedestrianisation

• A self-interest group for retailers only – this needs

the support of the majority of the community

There is no overnight fix…

• This will take vision, hard work, follow-up, superb

communication, listening, commitment, patience –

and some money

…but you do need some quick and easy wins…

9 Ideas for nothing…

1. Social Media training

2. #Crowboro2day on Twitter – everyday for every

shop!

@Crowboro2Day - Twitter

9 Ideas for nothing…

1. Social Media training

2. #Crowboro2day on Twitter – everyday for every shop!

3. ‘Supermarket Sweet’ – 10% off on £5+ with supermarket

receipt

4. Organise a carwash service – with local college?

5. Publicity campaign through car leafleting

6. Clowns on stilts!

7. Crowborough High Street online – Eshop for all

8. Ask local people what they want – questionnaire

9. Ask yourself – “When did I last re-invent my business?”

• Being organised among local councils and parishes

• We need to be part of this – there may be ‘support’

for those who show a real interest

What’s next?...

• Are you willing to become involved?

• Attend the Streets Ahead Forum – Hailsham – 21st Aug

• Gain the explicit support of the Chamber

• More retailers join the Chamber and set up a sub-group

• Improve retail standards – training and active support

• Connect with East Sussex, Wealden, and Crowborough

Councils and the Crowborough Partnership

• Start a dialogue with the local community – what do

they want?

• Agree some simple objectives

• Start/extend trial events – market testing

Suggested Early Milestones…

Form a working group

Pre-publicity/Car leafleting

Thinking time

Twitter offer test

‘Supermarket Sweet’ test

ALLMeet again

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apl May Jun

Meet regularly (every month?) to assess progress and keep on track

Assess and extend

Assess and extend

Strategy developed for the long-term with the Chamber

Bigger Ideas...

Bigger Ideas...

Bigger Ideas...

Bigger Ideas...

Who wants to get involved?

Want to start with some social media training?