Birmingham, UK – Emma McKinney, consumer editor, has revealed how retail bosses in the city are finding ways to encourage shoppers to spend more money than saving it in an effort to boost the country's fledging economy.
Business leaders, according to McKinney, are launching a massive campaign to save the high-street shopping figures and major chain closures.
In four years, the country has experienced three recessions together with the online boom. This economic downturn was being blamed on the slowing down of the retail industry.
Birmingham, UK – Emma McKinney, consumer editor, has revealed how retail bosses in the city are finding ways to encourage shoppers to spend more money than saving it in an effort to boost the country's fledging economy.
Business leaders, according to McKinney, are launching a massive campaign to save the high-street shopping figures and major chain closures.
In four years, the country has experienced three recessions together with the online boom. This economic downturn was being blamed on the slowing down of the retail industry.
However, heads at the Business Improvement District Retail Birmingham, fear that the lack of shopper spending could also be a part of the problem. In fact, high-street spending was so low in January that three major retail chains, namely Jessops, HMV, and Blockbuster, decided to close.
The city centre also saw a big drop on shoppers after the pre-Christmas rush. From the 8.2 million figure in December, the number of shoppers dropped to 5.7 million in January.
Retail Birmingham's chairman, Jonathan Cheetham, stated that many plans are already lined up in order to attract more people to spend. He said, "Our marketing activity this year comprises a number of engaging campaigns and events, all designed to attract shoppers into the city centre. Activity will include an event focusing on the 100 independent retailers in the city, taking place in July. This year’s event will again focus on promoting Birmingham as a world-class retail destination, attracting shoppers into the city and showcasing the variety of quality stores, bars and restaurants the city has to offer."
Plans to circulate a new version of the city centre shopping map is also afoot. Around 75,000 copies are expected to be given out across the different stores, hotels, transport hubs, and visitor centres in town.
Cheetham added, "As well as attracting consumers into the city centre, we recognise the importance of the visitor experience once in the city and will therefore continue to invest in two city centre deep cleans this year, as well as a commitment to fund floral features around the retail area during summer."
About www.therugstore.co.uk
The Rug Store has over 30 years of experience in the rug and carpet industry. Their retail outlets in Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow Parkhead, and Motherwell offer a variety of rugs, from Chinese rugs to wool rugs.