SHOPKEEPERS’ PLEA: GET SHOPPING!
LOCAL retailers have made a passionate plea to Wokingham’s shoppers: come in to the town centre and get shopping.
A new video, featuring local store owners, has just been released by Love Wokingham extolling the virtues of supporting the many independent stores in the centre, which have been blighted by the current regeneration works.
The new Love Wokingham People and Personalities campaign – backed by The Wokingham Paper – aims to let local faces and characters share what makes Wokingham’s community so special.
The first video, titled All we need for Christmas is YOU, features nine personalities of the town talking candidly about what business is like for them at the moment and what everyone can do to help them through the building works and Christmas period.
A second video will be released today. Called ‘Our future… after the builders have gone’, it will be followed next week by a third video highlighting what it is that people really love about Wokingham.
The campaign will also include advertisements in The Wokingham Paper and be linked to social media campaigns such as #wokypresents and #wokypeople and complements other initiatives to market the town, such as the Free After Three town centre parking and the Wokingham Business Association’s Christmas Scavenger Hunt.
It is being funded by the Town and Borough Councils with the Wokingham Business Association.
Town Councillor and nominated Council liaison with Wokingham businesses and Business Association, Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson, said: “Wokingham is all about its personalities and that’s why we think the best people to promote it are those personalities.
“I would urge everybody to have a look at these videos and, once you’ve done so, I am sure you’ll be inspired to visit Wokingham for a shopping spree or evening out.”
Jan Rixon, owner of TG Art Gallery joined the campaign, said: “I took part in this video because I passionately believe that Wokingham is a good place to be. Your support is of utmost importance to ensure that we, the independent retailers are all here when the work is done. Please use us!”