Iain Nicholson, Founder of The Vacant Shops Academy
The Vacant Shops Academy is an initiative from prbi, founded in 2022 by Iain Nicholson,a #placemaking specialist focused on tackling #highstreet empty shops challenges and improving the mix of uses in town and city centres.
Just a quick meet with Jane Lynch at her shop on a recent town centre visit (pictured), but a reminder of why independent businesses mean so much to our high streets.
Jane, who took over Pins & Things in Ebbw Vale from her mum, wanted to share with us an idea for a new project linking it with a venue in a nearby town. We also chatted about ‘knit & natter’ groups she hosts bringing in new customers and adding to its community feel.
All things we see time and again visiting independents up and down the country: long-established or new, attractive inside, attention-grabbing window displays, trying new things, the experiential we’re looking for, being part of their community, working hard to be the best they can.
It sparked a checklist of thoughts collected from indie owners about how they’re evolving:
+ Making use of upper floors and basements;
+ Sharing spare space with other businesses;
+ Hosting events, activities at what would otherwise be quieter times of your day or week;
+ Stepping up promotion of your business, your neighbours and the place in social and traditional media;
+ Working with the council, BID where they have one, on initiatives to draw new customers, increase footfall, extend dwell-time, boost positivity.
I’d love to hear projects and suggestions you’re trying that would add to that list.
By Iain Nicholson, Founder of The Vacant Shops Academy at https://prbi.co.uk/
