A discussive presentation to the retailers of Crowborough about what to do next to reinvigorate our town centre.

1. Welcome
Town Centre Retailer Meeting

2. Why the hell am I here?
• I‟m not a retailer
• I‟m not known to most of you
• I‟m not a member of the Chamber‟s leadership team
BUT I AM
• A proud and frustrated local
• A business person with a sales & marketing background
• A customer!
• Free

3. Why the hell are you here?
• You want more customers?
• You want to make more money?
• You want to part of a more lively community?
• You want a better life for your family?
• Because you recognise you‟re stronger together?
Can I assume “YES” - to all 5?

4. Tonight’s objectives….
• To see if there‟s a united will and commitment to make
this a better place to do business?
• To get the explicit support of the Chamber to support a
new approach to the Town Centre

5. SWOT Analysis – The Town Centre
Strengths
• An active local community with money
• Willingness for change
• The supermarkets attract a wider
audience
Weaknesses
• Geography
• No idea of a plan or vision
• Little coordination of retailers
• Little coordination of influential groups
• Mixed retail standards
• Lack of interest/attractions
• No online presence
Opportunities
• A collective plan for the Town Centre
• Collective effort
• More visitors from the supermarkets
• More than a “retail only” experience
• ..But a better retail experience too
• Taking the High Street “Online”
Threats
• Lack of will and unified approach
• Lack of support from groups of
influence
• Local NIMBY’s

6. What’s Needed?….
• Clear leadership and vision
• A joined-up plan for the Town Centre, not just the High St
• All retailers to become engaged
• All groups of influence to meet and agree a united plan
• Free parking

7. What this isn’t
• A Trojan Horse for pedestrianisation
• A self-interest group for retailers only – this needs the
support of the majority of the community

8. There is no overnight fix…
• This will take vision, hard work, follow-up, superb
communication, listening, commitment, patience – and
some money
…but you do need some quick and easy wins…

9. 9 Ideas for nothing…
1. Social Media training
2. #Crowboro2day on Twitter – everyday for every shop!

10. @Crowboro2Day - Twitter

11. 9 Ideas for nothing…
1. Social Media training
2. #Crowboro2day on Twitter – everyday for every shop!
3. „Supermarket Sweet‟ – 10% off on £5+ with supermarket receipt
4. Organise a carwash service – with local college?
5. Publicity campaign through car leafleting
6. Clowns on stilts!
7. Crowborough High Street online – Eshop for all
8. Ask local people what they want – questionnaire
9. Ask yourself – “When did I last re-invent my business?”

12. • Being organised among local councils and parishes
• We need to be part of this – there may be „support‟ for
those who show a real interest

13. What’s next?...
• Are you willing to become involved?
• Attend the Streets Ahead Forum – Hailsham – 21st Aug
• Gain the explicit support of the Chamber
• More retailers join the Chamber and set up a sub-group
• Improve retail standards – training and active support
• Connect with East Sussex, Wealden, and Crowborough Councils
and the Crowborough Partnership
• Start a dialogue with the local community – what do they want?
• Agree some simple objectives
• Start/extend trial events – market testing

14. Suggested Early Milestones…
Form a
working group
Pre-publicity/
Car leafleting
Thinking time
Twitter offer
test
‘Supermarket
Sweet’ test
ALL
Meet again
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apl May Jun
Meet regularly (every month?) to assess progress and keep on track
Assess and extend
Assess and extend
Strategy developed for the long-term with the Chamber

15. Bigger Ideas...

16. Bigger Ideas...

17. Bigger Ideas...

18. Bigger Ideas...

19. Who wants to get involved?
Want to start with some social media training?