Advice service will boost town centre shops (From Thurrock Gazette)

Advice service will boost town centre shops

8:00am Sunday 17th February 2013 in News

HIGH streets in Thurrock are to get a boost with the launch of a new scheme.

Thurrock Council is working with 24 businesses over the next six weeks to improve window displays and the layout of shops.

Those taking part will learn about a range of issues, from effective window display to the importance of commercial layout and how to change the way that customers shop.

Cllr Andy Smith, regeneration portfolio holder at the council, pictured, said: “We shouldn’t underestimate the importance of our town centres for residents.

“With retail businesses everywhere suffering, it’s good to see that here in Thurrock we’re doing what we can to help our high streets.”

The scheme follows a successful shop-front improvement project that ran over the Christmas period and saw 13 retailers in Grays receive training to improve their business and merchandising skills.

One of the many stores to benefit was Grays Convenience. Owner Sathi Yamohan said: “I found the in-store coaching beneficial to my business – advice on signage and technology was very useful.”

Aquatics and reptiles specialists the Trop Shop also received help, covering everything from displays and signage through to offers via social media platforms.

Since the training, the Orsett Road, Grays, store has made several changes to the point of sale area and improved signage to the reptile shop on the second floor.

If you run a local business and would like to be part of the programme, call Jo White, at Vision On, on 07799 713770.