Shopping Centre Extends Commitment To Local Businesses

May 24, 2010 - PRLog -- The Guildhall Shopping Centre has reinforced its commitment to helping local businesses by joining forces with a local web designer to develop their new site.

The site, which went live in March, has been produced in conjunction with Eccleshall-based e-marketing company Extra Mile Communications. It provides information on forthcoming events and opening times, a directory of shops and advertising opportunities for local businesses.

The centre is also looking to develop their “Enjoy Stafford” Shop Local scheme, after a hugely successful first 12 months – over 20,000 membership cards have been taken up by shoppers in the town centre.

Organisers believe the wide range of exclusive special offers and discounts have contributed to the success, but the vast majority of people have joined because they feel strongly about helping local businesses.

Marketing and Promotions Manager Anne Graham said: “Extra Mile Communications impressed us with their expertise and range of services, but had the advantage of being a local supplier.

“By using their email marketing facilities we will be able to bring more shoppers into the centre and therefore help our tenants as well.

“Alongside this we want to bring more local retailers into the ‘Enjoy Stafford’ scheme, to capitalise on the success of the first 12 months and encourage more people to use the stores in Stafford rather than going to out-of-town shopping centres.”

One of the businesses to have benefitted from the centre’s support is cake retailer Love at First Bite.

Owner Tina Soden said: “Setting up on my own has not been easy and the help and support that they have provided has been integral.

“Since my business was featured on the new Guildhall Shopping Centre website traffic to my website has increased dramatically.

“I have seen what a positive impact that the Enjoy Stafford shop local scheme had had for local business and will be getting involved in that in the near future.”

The Guildhall Shopping Centre accommodates 42 stores, ranging from local traders to national chains such as HMV, The Body Shop and River Island.

Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035/07880 733138 or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.

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