Park Street in Bristol has been selected for a trailblazing initiative aimed at raising the profile of its shops and businesses using the very latest social media techniques.
The interactive campaign is the first of its kind in the country and has been devised by sector experts Destination CMS in conjunction with Colliers International’s Bristol office.
DCMS launched a similar project in Perth in Scotland last year using twitter, facebook, linked in and other social media to stimulate activity and regenerate the High Street.
The Perth social media campaign has already resulted in significant increase in footfall. DCMS and Colliers International plan to launch the campaign in the city centre before rolling out in other high streets across the country.
Colliers International retail specialist Dan Johnstone said Park Street had been chosen as a recognised shopping destination with a strong community and a large number of independent retailers.
He said: “Park Street is often described as the UK’s hippest street – and boasts a reputation for high end independent shops alongside a number of big name food and beverage operators including Nandos and Jamie’s Italian.
“These outlets have clear appeal for the younger generations who rely on social media to source just about everything from the latest designer jeans to a coffee on the way home from work.
“This campaign is aimed squarely at putting Park Street’s traders on their phones and in their faces through a combination of news, events and promotions with the focus very much on fun.
“Park Street is a recognised shopping destination in its own right and links the city to some of the most popular areas of Bristol, including Clifton with its enormous number of bar and restaurant businesses, not to mention large numbers of students and young couples.
“We want to know about everything that happens on Park Street or has a potential effect on Park Street so we can boost interaction between the businesses and customers.”
DCMS consultant Simon Baldwin said: “Our SOCIALiSTREET campaign aims to reinvigorate shopping communities by driving up footfall using digital and social media channels.
“Park Street has a strong independent streak and has been on trend since trends were invented.
“It’s an eclectic collection of clothes boutiques, music and record stores, bars and restaurants, furniture and art galleries and we are confident Park Street will generate an endless stream of news, offers and gossip to keep people glued in to what is going on.”
You can get in on the action at https://www.facebook.com/ParkStBristol https://twitter.com/ParkStBristol and http://www.colliers.com/en-gb/bristol