Local shoppers love bargains, but local business owners don’t go for them!

In the past, I’ve talked to somebody at Fakenham Chamber of Commerce as well as Kick Start Fakenham about a local shopper loyalty scheme, but nothing has so far become of it.  I think the Chamber has also recently and independently discussed an idea like this, but maybe somebody needs to give it a nudge and/or get some feedback from the local public…

I think the town’s traders could do with some kind of mutually-beneficial loyalty scheme. Something which would reward local shoppers by giving discounts or special offers and which would, in turn, keep some of their trade in the town rather than see them shop further afield.

I have had some ideas already, having mulled it over for the best part of a year. What has rekindled my ideas now? Well, I was speaking to another business owner from this area yesterday and we were comparing notes about local advertising and promotion. His thoughts were (and my past experiences bear this out) that local businesses are usually very reluctant to promote themselves – even if the method offered is extremely inexpensive or even free! They’re not at all pro-active when it comes to publicity and many smaller businesses in the area will happily admit to being complete technophobes – not at all helpful when somebody like me is trying to convince them to promote their businesses online!

We came to the conclusion that if local businesses could be shown an obviously consumer-driven scheme, they’d be more likely to see the advantage of promoting themselves through it. Our reasoning was that they’re historically used to being consumer-led and would react to a more traditional idea that shoppers would want to use.

So… I’d like your ideas. If you’re a shopper, what would convince you to use a local business rather than one from Norwich or Lynn? If you’re a Fakenham trader or shop owner, do you have any ideas to make a scheme like this work?

You can leave comments here on my blog or email me via steve (at) wensum.net. Alternatively, feel free to give me a ring at the office on 01328 856688.

The new shop in Norwich Street, Fakenham – on the site of the toyshop which only recently closed. Apparently (and hopefully somebody in the know will correct me if I’m wrong) they’ll be selling army surplus gear, which sounds a tad obvious being as they’re called ‘Quartermasters’. Well, that’s a bit different anyway and better than having yet another baker/butcher/optician in the town centre. I hope they do well.

I know – I didn’t have to go far to take this snap as it’s right opposite my office door!

You know that little park by the river path? Yes, just down Hall Staithe (corrected: cheers, Mark) - that’s the one. Well, there’s a project underway to freshen it up a tad. It was looking a bit run down, so an organisation from Norwich is organising (what else would they do?) a bunch of long-term unemployed youngsters to give it a lick of paint and add some sparkle. Apparently, it gives them a bit of work experience and adds a project to their CV. No doubt it gives them a bit of confidence-building too – that can’t do any harm. Anyway, they were all busy down there today when I popped out for a walk, so I took the opportunity to poke my nose, have a quick natter and take a snap.

Nice to see youngsters doing community projects like this. Thanks. Well done, guys!

The Air Ambulance hovering over town centre rooftops this afternoon, attending a casualty in the market square.

This EDP article look interesting. I think it marries up with the plans for walking and cycling routes around the town which were published in the Council’s Local Development Framework document.

I reckon it’s a great long-term idea which would enhance the area and prove to be an attraction for tourism. Here’s the article link:

Wensum Valley Trust  Bid to create long distance riverside path in Norfolk – Norfolk News – EDP24.

Who serves the best pint of Wherry in town?

I went out to the pub last night with some friends (yes, I really do have some). I won’t say which hostelry, but we were chatting to the owner about life in general (and beer in particular) when he announced that his establishment served the ‘best pint of  Wherry in Fakenham’. His patrons had told him so many times, he told us.

I didn’t actually agree with him, but said nowt – there was no point in debating the subject and it would have been bad-mannered to disagree with him while sitting in his own pub downing a pair of his pints. However, I thought I’d see if my fellow local beer-swillers real ale connoisieurs thought the same way. Apart from Harry Hill’s favourite method of settling an argument – “FIGHT!” – there’s only one way to do it… I’ve created a new website poll.

Woodforde’s is a Norfolk brewery and their Wherry bitter is very widely available in the Fakenham area. It’s a pretty safe choice for landlords, as it’s a well-known session bitter (ie not too strong at 3.8 percent alcohol) which sells very well. Unfortunately it can be bland and as dull as dishwater if not kept well, but when served in good condition is a wonderfully fresh-tasting ale with aromatic, floral hop qualities and citrus overtones. Beautifully light and refreshing.

So which pub in town serves the best pint of the stuff? I’m interested to hear other drinkers’ opinions, so please vote in the poll on the right. If you can’t stand the stuff yourself (I realise not everybody has a beer lover’s exquisite and refined taste) but know somebody else who does, point them to this site so they can register their vote. It’s a subject very dear to many people’s hearts

Cheers!

Appeal after Fakenham theft – News – Lynn News

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OK, you didn’t get the last one (you’re a right useless bunch!) so where was this photo taken? You want a clue? Oh alright… it’s near the other one!

As you can imagine, I do love a gadget. I’ve just ordered one of these – it’s an all-singing, all-dancing HTC Desire Android phone.

Yes, I know there’s a new iPhone coming out. Yes, I know the old model iPhones will probably be discounted soon. I just didn’t want an iPhone. The user interface is great (I’ve had an iPod Touch for ages) but I don’t like the way Apple control the way you use things, locking you in to their closed system.

The HTC uses Google’s Android operating system. It has a 5 megapixel camera, a 3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen display (lovely and clear) and a pretty speedy 1 GHz Snapdragon processor. The reviews of the phone are outstanding, so I’m looking forward to it arriving next week – expect a few photos from it on this blog soon.

It’s my first contract phone for years and is replacing my old Samsung SGH-E900 on T-mobile PAYG (the worst phone I’ve ever owned). On the contract I chose, it cost £99 but Orange knocked £50 off the price for me and as i’d ordered it through the Quidco website, I get £50 cashback too - making the phone effectively free.

Back of the net!

 
FAKENHAM NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE

I promised the owner of a new business in town I’d give his new venture a bit of a plug. This info is gleaned from their website…

Opening this Saturday 12th June at 10am
There will be therapists offering taster sessions for £5, with a wide variety of therapies available on the day. Come and have look round and meet the therapists.

They’re running a competition on North Norfolk Radio too. Prizes include various kinds of massage, hypnotherapy sessions and a Wellness & Nutrition consultation. One of their upcoming workshops is, “How to play Tibetan Singing, Talking & Charma Bowls”. Sounds a bit different!

You can find them opposite Tesco’s entrance, behind the Salvation Army hall.

1 Royal Oak Chambers,
Oak Street, Fakenham,
Norfolk, NR21 9DY.