“Worrying” rise in empty shops in Colchester

This headline was in the Colchester Gazette yesterday and after I read the article I certainly agree. When you walk through the town center you see lots of empty shops. Luckily some of them are now transformed into art spaces (Slack Space), so it doesn;t look so depressing everywhere,  but this doesn’t really help the local businesses to stay in businesses.

So what is the cause?
The problem seems to be that people spending less and less in town. One reason is that the way people shop has been transformed dramatically. People look around for deals online and buy where it is cheapest. Unfortunately the business which promoting their great offers online get the deal and the small local business without the big spending power are unrecognized.

I am a strong believer that you have to give a little to attract new customers and I think townvoucher.com or other schemes which offer a free platform is a great way to push the local businesses. Discount voucher schemes like townvoucher.com promote offers effectively in the region without breaking the bank of business and shop owners. Exactly what is needed in these though times.

Shop owners have to rethink
Many new customers coming through the door with a discount voucher is better than no customer at all! Business owner have to rethink and get out there with their offers. It might cost shop owners a little to give a discount when people spend over £30 or so but still better not making a sell at all. It is constant work to compete against the big High Street brands which scream with their posters and city lights to make people buy their products online.

Generate more business with townvoucher.com. More than 100 local business have already signed up and promote their offers for free. Register your business for free and start creating discount vouchers.

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