A new pilot scheme is being launched in Gloucestershire to help high street businesses to work together to build their digital presence and promote their stores to customers. The pilot is linked to the government's Future High Streets Forum, of which ACS is a board member.
The pilot will initially focus on Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud, and will include;
- free digital skills training for a group of independent retailers
- linking businesses' social media marketing with common hashtags
- sharing data on how customers use these high streets
The pilot is supported by a range of large and small retailers, technology businesses, the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and national trade associations.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "A growing number of consumers are now wanting to include mobile and digital technology as part of the way they shop, whether that's using apps for parking and planning their shopping trip, or getting offers through social media. This pilot is a huge step forward because it's about getting businesses to work together to make the whole high street more attractive and accessible.
"Convenience stores have a big part to play in this, and we know that retailers who link in to the communities they serve make their businesses more profitable and sustainable. Our sector needs to be at the forefront of this work and are looking for retailers in Gloucestershire to take part."
Retailers interested in taking part should contact Steve Dowling at ACS on 01252 515001.
