Colwyn Bay shops launch internet site

Jun 3 2010 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

SMALL shops in Colwyn Bay will soon be able to promote their businesses across the globe and sell goods online thanks to a new internet scheme.

Funded by Colwyn Town Council and Conwy County Council the scheme will ensure all shops registered will be able to have a free listing on the site which also hopes to improve footfall in the town.

A hub of businesses have already joined forces with the Bay of Colwyn Town management and the chamber of trade in an attempt to pull together to promote a modern way of shopping in Colwyn Bay. Shops in Rhos-on-Sea, Old Colwyn, Mochdre and any which fall under the Bay of Colwyn Town Council are eligible for the scheme, which is set to be launched at the Interchange next week.

Ingrid Lewis is the town centre manager in Colwyn Bay and believes the scheme could help propel small businesses in the area.

“Independent businesses throughout Europe are experiencing difficulty and we need to come up with new solutions to overcome the challenges,” she said.

“This new shop local initiative is a partnership approach which will help protect the small business sector, enhancing footfall, building loyalty, creating web-based trading opportunities and above all, developing overall vibrancy and vitality throughout the Bay of Colwyn.”

The interactive website will allow traders to sell their products online, create special offers to encourage new shoppers and more importantly have an e-commerce website comparable with much larger national companies.

Derek Kershaw runs Music Makers on Penrhyn Road in Colwyn Bay and welcomed the idea.

“Anything that will help retail sales has got to be good,” he said.

“It will depend on whether people have got their own sites if they want to join this one but it’s a positive step.”

Cllr Chris Hughes also welcomed the scheme: “More and more businesses are going online – that is probably the future.”

All independent businesses are invited to this special meeting to learn more about how to embrace internet technology to help build their businesses. The new Shop Local initiative is being revealed to independent businesses at a special meeting on Thursday, June 10, from 5pm at the Interchange, on Abergele Road, Old Colwyn.

Shopkeepers are asked to register for catering purposes. Contact 01492 577680.