Oswestry traders launch free parking initiative
A group of town traders in Oswestry have introduced a free parking promotion to encourage more footfall on the high street.
The six independent businesses are offering a parking refund based on a minimum shop to customers using the Central Car Park, Smithfield Street Car Park or Festival Square Car Park.
The amount of refund offered and minimum spend required varies between the participating shops. They include Petworld on Festival Square, Rowanthorn and Butterfly Beautique in Old Chapel Court, Kelvie’s Bargains due to open in English Walls, Radfords butchers in Church Street, and Bright Beadz in Leg Street.
The three month campaign, which launches July 25, was inspired by group member, Petworld. Proprietor, Ken Malcolm, started offering customers a parking refund over 12 months ago. He said: “The refund idea has gone down really well with our customers. With more town centre businesses doing the same, we can create a more visible campaign and draw more footfall into the heart of the town.”
Amanda McGregor of Bright Beadz, who helped to set up the promotion, said: “We were keen to launch the refund scheme for the summer holidays when families and tourists will be making more trips into the town and can take advantage.”
The campaign has been organised by OSCO, a shoppers’ movement aiming to encourage more spend and loyalty with independents, the town markets and Oswestry’s high street. The launch comes as independents in Oswestry are calling for more support and organising a range of activities and promotions to mark Independent Retailer Month which runs throughout July.
A spokesperson for OSCO said: “Parking refunds operate in car parks in other areas of Oswestry. This initiative brings that benefit to shoppers using unsubsidised car parks at the heart of the town through the generous cooperation of independents located nearby. It’s a small but welcome gesture in the current economic climate which could help improve our connection with the high street.”
Shoppers should look out for details on flyers and posters in participating shops, or they can find out more at OSCO on Facebook.
