App to help ease fears as lockdown is eased
A local authority in Kent is to be the first in the region to roll-out an app to show just how busy shops and restaurants are, when they finally reopen after the lockdown. The Locale app is free for customers and businesses to use, and will be available in Canterbury as non-essential stores and eateries are allowed to welcome customers back through their doors. Cllr Jeanette Stockley, Canterbury City Council’s lead on economic development and tourism, explained: “The app will help consumers choose where to shop or dine and also help businesses to promote what offers they have available.
“Now is a great time for businesses to get on board and join the 90 already signed up. “The app also draws information straight from Google
business pages and informs users of venue opening times, covid-safe measures, queues, locations and reviews.”
First launched in Durham and Sunderland last year, its popularity is growing nationwide with the hope it will help boost consumer confidence
after such a challenging period.
Matthew Booth, who runs a number of businesses in Durham, said of the app: “We liked the principles of The Locale – that it was a great way to put customers’ minds at ease – which is why we signed up initially.
“We found it incredibly useful in sharing with shoppers our Covid safety information and it was a way for them to find out how many people were in the shop, how long they might have to wait.
“At a time when many people are very nervous about shopping it was a great way to reassure them that they could easily socially distance and they could find out the times we were less busy. It was a fantastic asset in helping us at a very difficult time and definitely something we’ll continue to use in the future.” The app can be downloaded free from the Google and Apple app stores. To be listed, firms can contact info@thelocale.info.
Non-essential stores are due to reopen on April 12 - indoors at restaurants on May 17.