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Taking a look – local shops learn how to get attention

Posted on 29/03/2010

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 A group of local independent retailers took an exciting trip to London after taking part in a shop window dressing competition organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Town Centre Managment.

The ‘city safari’ was organised after 30 retailers took part in a training programme designed to maximise sales during the busy run up to Christmas.

The training, delivered by window dressing guru’s Phil Hill and Lynda Murray of International Visual Ltd, involved training on visual merchandising in-store and shop window dressing techniques, followed up with a visit to judge the window displays. The duo is amongst the best in the business and work with television guru Mary Portas – AKA Mary Queen of Shops.

Denis Hope, the winning store and Number Ten, runner-up  were selected and taken on the trip this month to gain inspiration and ideas from some of the best shop windows in the capital.

Following the success of the pilot the council are now offering more places to any interested independent business. As long as you are an independent business you can apply – from retail and hairdressing to bars, restaurants and hotels.

The training will include a workshop on window guidelines, ideas for spring and summer windows plus key visual merchandising tips, followed up with a one-to-one in store visit from the experts.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to support our local businesses. This support has been tried and tested and we are very pleased to be able to deliver this exciting initiative. I urge independent businesses to take up this free opportunity.”

If you are an independent business and would like to benefit from this free training, contact Frances Fielding on 01706 926700 or email: frances.fielding@rochdale.gov.uk