North Tyneside takes message to region's shoppers

10-NOV-09

Issued by: Jeanette Hedley

Retailers from across North Tyneside are climbing aboard a marketing campaign to get more shoppers back onto borough high streets.

Trader representatives from North Shields, Whitley Bay and Wallsend will join North Tyneside's Elected Mayor, Linda Arkley in setting off a brightly branded campaign bus to sell the borough's unique shopping experience across the region.

The bus is part of the marketing campaign announced by Mrs Arkley to help struggling town centre businesses to beat the challenges of the recession.

The budget for council publications was cut to fund the £55,000 campaign that will ensure North Tyneside - and particularly its town centres of Wallsend, Whitley Bay and North Shields - are first choice destinations for shoppers.

Speaking at the launch Councillor Jon Jo MacNamara, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: "The success of our town centres is vital to the economic future of this borough.

"This campaign is about reminding people both in North Tyneside and the wider region that there are great town centres - and unique shops - on their doorstep, which can meet all their shopping and service needs.

"We need to get more people back shopping on our high streets - particularly at this time when many high street businesses are finding it difficult and people's livelihoods and jobs are at risk.

The campaign, with its strong 'shop local' messages will see posters and advertising promoting North Tyneside across the region.

The Coaster bus service - carrying the striking branding - will help deliver the message along its route, from Whitley Bay to Byker in Newcastle, taking in the three borough town centres.

Bluetooth technology within the bus will ensure that anyone with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone along its route will receive free messaging promoting up coming events and offers in North Tyneside.

And series of events in each of the town centres, supported by Metro Radio, will also help attract shoppers into the town centres.

New town centre guides are also being produced for the three town's to help shoppers make the most of their visits with money off vouchers and special offers, as well as helpful information such as public transport guides and where to eat and shop.

And to ensure that shoppers can ensure a leisurely shopping visit in the town centres two hour free parking is due to be implemented into town centre car parks by North Tyneside Council.

Karen Goldfinch, Acting Chair of Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, and owner of Made to Treasure, said: "Whitley Bay has so many great, unique, niche businesses, possibly the largest number of independent businesses in the area, all of which are definitely worth a visit. As traders we all welcome help in getting this message out that Whitley Bay is a great place to visit, shop and enjoy."

She added "Now is a good time to remind shoppers that it's far easier to get their Christmas Shopping in our town, than to battle with traffic and parking at the city centres and out of town retail parks. Independent businesses are usually staffed by owners and carefully chosen staff that excel in giving expert advice and care, going that extra mile to help their customers. What more could a shopper want?"

Ernie Nolan from Wallsend's Acorn Computer Recycling (CIC) said: "Without doubt this is one of the worst recessions that we have seen in this country, no one seems to have escaped its clutches but I believe that if we all - traders and residents - work and stay together as a community we will see it through.

Maggie Richardson, Chairman of North Shields Chamber of Trade said: "Shoppers need to use their local retail centres or risk losing them.

She added: " In North Shields we are all working together to achieve a safer, cleaner more ambient place. It's a town that we are proud to promote and encourage more people to visit. The council and our Chamber of Trade need the help and support of shoppers - so our message would be please shop in our towns and bring your friends along too."