Gloucester’s online retail revival

One of the biggest stories in retail in recent years has been how digital technologies have drastically altered the modern shopping experience.

With the rise of multinational corporations like Amazon being able to cut overheads by operating remotely, it’s left many smaller bricks and mortar shops with tough questions regarding their existence in the 21st century marketplace.

However, recent discussions have shown renewed enthusiasm amongst Gloucester’s merchants with many using innovative solutions to forge a more direct relationship with the customer whilst taking full advantage of the new digital technologies.

For some retailers such as Miju Wools on College Street, there’s nothing better than inviting their loyal customers in for an informal gathering. The shop’s knit and natter sessions provide an evening’s entertainment in the form of knitting classes, and give a focal point for many crafting enthusiasts in the area.

The sessions have also been complemented by a series of demonstrative pictures on the Miju Facebook page that once again demonstrate the potential of their products without any unnecessary advertising expense.

The use of social media is a big way that many small businesses have successfully reached out to their target audiences. But having a constantly-updated main website can do much to serve a prospective customer base. Even out of town retailers such as Bedstar.co.uk have managed to reach far beyond their original coverage area thanks to a simple yet instructive website that enables consumers to browse and even buy beds regardless of user location.

This is an initiative that’s been seized upon by the likes of Soundhouse Gloucester who’ve implemented a website that enables any prospective customers to use their ‘click and collect service’ to reserve any particularly sought-after piece of musical equipment.

And whilst Gloucester’s Westgate Street once used to be one of the hardest-hit areas of the recent recession, it’s managed to seize the headlines thanks to some strident activities of some of its newest shops.

In particular, the launching of special events like the Gloucester Style Festival has helped the city’s fashion outlets see each other as helpful friends rather than business rivals. And the synergistic potential of such events has the potential to bring in a great number of curious visitors who wouldn’t have otherwise heard about the city’s clothing retailers.

So whether a business is seeking to help their consumers find a more convenient way to buy beds, or merely wanting to provide a social occasion for their valued customers, there are many examples of Gloucester businesses succeeding in the digital environment.

 

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk