Unsure of making a shopping trip to Canterbury? Here's 5 reasons to help persuade you:
1. Whitefriars
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Whitefriars offers shoppers with a huge variety |
Whitefriars is the latest addition to Canterbury's shopping scene. Located right next to the high street and the bus station, It is the ideal location for anyone wishing to spend their hard earned money. The main draw to this location is the sheer variety of business's; everything from 'River Island' to 'Waterstones' to Italian restaurant 'Carluccios'
2. Staying Independent
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Canterbury Wholefoods in situated in Jewry Lane |
As well as catering to the countries biggest high street retailers Canterbury has a huge range of smaller, independently owned shops. 'Canterbury Wholefoods' has been a part of the city for over 35 years and part of its success comes down to the fact that they only sell healthy foods. Business's that can find a niche are much more likely to stay afloat, especially in times of economic instability.
3. A Sense of History
Canterbury is a famous and historic city with much to offer and discover. This is the reason so many flock to the city. The shops surrounding Canterbury Cathedral create an unique atmosphere unlike any, and its places like the cathedral and the city wall that make Canterbury a unique place for business.
4. Major High Street Retailers
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Waterstones branch in Canterbury |
Canterbury has a wide range of independently owned shops but the city also plays host to the high streets big hitters, chain stores such as 'Waterstones', 'HMV' and 'M&S".
5. Something For Everyone
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High S |
Over 40,000 people live in Canterbury and its because of this there is a huge variety of business's to sample. For students who go to either Canterbury Christ Church University or University of Kent, there is a wide range of places popular with undergraduates.
Top 5 ways to make you business a success
1: Knowing your market
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It's so important to recognise your target market |
Probably the most important aspect of a successful business is knowing who your target market is. This way you can cater your shop to your customers specific needs. Fancy That of London is a perfect example, their stock is aimed almost entirely at tourists, so as a result they get very little in the way of local residents browsing their shop.
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CW have just celebrated their 35th anniversary |
2: Standing out in the crowd
For an independent shop to be successful, it is vital that they establish a niche in the market to avoid their business becoming too similar to others. Canterbury Wholefoods is a great example, because they found a gap in the market and set up business on their principles. The result? CW have just celebrated their 35th anniversary and are seen as Canterbury's lead suppliers of healthy and alternate foods.
3: Going online
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More and more are shopping online |
The market for online shopping is growing, more and more business's are taking advantage of this and are now selling their produce online. Alex Perkins, Liberal Democrat Councillor, believes it is crucial to strike a balance between internet and high street shopping: "I think the most important thing, if you can, is to have a presence on the high street and online."
4: Offering something something new
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Wild Ferment offer their customers wine tastings |
The power of the big high street retailers presents a huge problem to the independently owned shops. Being financially outmuscled means smaller business's have to offer customers something that they would not get in a big chain store. An example of this lies in newly opened wine shop, Wild Ferment, who, aware of the fact that they cannot compete supermarket prices, have offered wine tastings to customers wanting to learn more about what they are drinking.
5: Personality is everything
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Look after your customers |
Giving your shop a personality is an important aspect to consider when setting up shop. Making sure that customers will remember your business the next time they are in town is crucial. It's imperative to build customer relations, be kind and helpful when you can so that can begin to build up a following of loyal customers.
