More Nantwich stores are signing up to a “money back” car park ticket scheme in a bid to boost trade in the town.
The scheme, launched on December 1, allows people who pay to park to redeem the cost of their ticket against goods they buy.
Independent shops in Nantwich currently taking part include Inside Paradise, Eden, Magpie Gifts, Magpie Cards, The Gourmet Cookshop, McCormicks, Grapevine, AK2 Accessories, Homecookonline, Wellness Centre, The PC Centre, Busy IT and Busy Print, Residence Restaurant and Bar, Bratts, and CMH Associates.
Participating car parks are at Bowers Row, The Bowling Green, Church Lane, Civic Hall, Dysart Buildings, Love Lane, Market Area and Snow Hill.
Shoppers take one part of their ticket with them to a shop and will get money knocked off their purchase, depending on how each store wants to reward customers.
Cheshire East Council’s Nantwich Local Area Partnership (LAP) agreed the scheme with the local traders forum Nantwich Flourish.
Cllr Peter Groves, Nantwich LAP champion, said: “Motorists are able to obtain a two-part ticket at Nantwich car parks and this ticket instructs the driver to take the stub to participating outlets in order to redeem the ticket value.
“They must make a purchase in that store to redeem the money and there are certain conditions that apply. Participating businesses will display signs and posters and will advise customers of the conditions required to redeem part or all of the ticket value.
“This scheme has been developed to support the Nantwich independent traders, and has been devised to allow flexibility and control for traders.
“It should be emphasised participating outlets are bearing fully the financial element of this trial as we look to encourage shoppers to stay in town for longer so they can shop locally and support their local economy.”
The scheme is due to run until February.
Any traders keen to get involved and discuss how it can work for them should call Nantwich LAP manager, Sharon Angus-Crawshaw, on 01270 685793 or email sharon.angus-crawshaw@
(Pic: Cllr Peter Groves with Gaynor Ashworth-Kirkham, of AK2 Accessories, and John Weir of Nantwich Flourish)
With over 96% of Nantwich residents living within a 1-mile radius of the town centre i.e. 15-minute walk or 5 minute bike ride why on earth would you want to encourage people to drive into town?
I agree with Ben, traders should be coming up with incentives to encourage people to leave their cars at home.
My understanding is t was the councils idea and only 15 or so of the many traders in the town are involved.
It is a tough time in retail and for nantwich to retain its many independent traders which help to make the town different to the many ‘clone’ shopping towns around the country people need to support the town by shopping there.
Any realistic suggestions for encouraging residents to shop locally would be gratefully received by the council and traders alike
A good positive move. Well done to those traders participating. Better than the usual moaning and groaning about lack of local support for local traders. Doubtless some traders will be happy not to participate and just reap the benefits without contributing to the cost.
Why dont shops reward cyclists, pedestrians or bus travellers who shop in Nantwich and dont clog up the roads. they also stay in town much longer at no extra expense.