Dumfries independent retailers benefit from specialised Shop Doctor support
Written by author on May 17, 2012
Dumfries Independent Retailers were encouraged to take part in an innovative ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ programme in March, the first to be held in Scotland. It had been intended that 12 businesses would be given an opportunity to receive an ‘in-store’ surgery to allow them to benefit directly from the Shop Doctor’s specialised advice, but demand was so high that the numbers were immediately doubled. All the one-to-one visits have now taken place and changes are already being seen around the town.
Colin Hetherington was the first to enrol and has embraced the changes recommended by the Shop Doctor, Bill Smith.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for my business and I welcomed the recommendations made. I received a comprehensive report and adopted most of the recommendations within 48 hours. The grant funding made available to implement the changes has meant that I have been able to install a digital interactive display in the shop and am the first wallpaper shop in Scotland to have this particular technology. It means that it now makes it easier than ever for customers to own the wallpaper of their choice. They can use our state of the art touch screen to browse through thousands of wallpaper choices – easily search by style, colour or pattern and digitally visualise the paper on the wall at the touch of a button.”
Greer Blackadder of Best Dressed Kidz said, “This came at just the right time for me as I was relocating to premises on Bank Street and was looking at the layout and the best way to maximise the space. It was good to get an independent view and I welcomed the constructive comments from the Shop Doctor. I am so pleased that Dumfries and Galloway Council funded this programme as it’s been of great benefit to me.”
Mark Smith, of Kings Coffee and Books on Queensberry Street, has been thrilled with the service offered by the Shop Doctor, “When you’re in and around your shop all the time, it can be difficult to see things the way customers see them. Bill Smith came as a gentle, polite version of Mary Portas, with fresh eyes and professional expertise to help us see what we can do better. We’re planning to use the council grant to improve display lighting and signage. As a social enterprise in our town, we’re concerned about more than our own business, so seeing the positive effect Bill Smith is having on the standard of presentation and service amongst many Dumfries retailers is very encouraging.”
Bev Bamford, Business adviser for the Beyond Chapelcross project said, “Based on the positive response and impact that the Dumfries “Let’s Talk Shop” programme has had, Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed to fund a similar programme of events in Annan.
Bill Smith, the Shop Doctor will be delivering an informative and motivational retail work shop on Tuesday 26th June at 6.30pm at Annan Town Hall Chambers and all Annan retailers are invited to attend. To register for the Annan ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ workshop, contact Dumfries and Galloway Council on 030 33 33 3000 and ask for Ash Wylie in Economic Development or email Aslene.Wylie@dumgal.gov.uk.
