Shoppers in the Cotswolds can now connect with local businesses in a brand-new way, thanks to the launch of a virtual High Street Guide – which is already helping over 250 business in ten Cotswold towns and villages to thrive during lockdown three.
Cirencester, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden are just some of the towns that are benefiting from the new technology, which allows people to discover businesses near them through their digital devices – grouping all social media content by location to encourage shoppers to browse their local high street.
With many high street stores expected to reopen from Monday 12 April 2021, the technology aims to help businesses communicate with customers and reward them for spending locally, too.
Every business that registers to manage their listing on the virtual High Street Guide will be able to access to social media tools and training from its creator, Maybe* Tech – helping them to up their Instagram game and generate online sales while physical stores are closed.
More than 250 businesses have already signed up for the platform, including Law & Co in Stow-on-the-Wold. Since joining the guide, the popular clothing boutique has seen its total online sales increase by a whopping 772 per cent across one month in lockdown.
Polly Barnfield OBE, CEO of Maybe* Tech, said: ‘High streets need infrastructure that until now has only been available for online businesses. They need to communicate with shoppers in real-time and be able to showcase what’s available.
‘In order to compete, high street businesses need to up their digital game, promote their physical stores and collaborate.’
Cotswold District Council is partnering with Maybe* Tech to provide the technology to businesses in the area.
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