Oakengates businesses wanting to boost trade during the credit crunch are discussing plans to launch a loyalty card and internet scheme in the town.
Traders are looking to cyberspace to help bolster trade as they discuss an initiative which could see them launch a new website www.visitoakengates.co.uk and loyalty card scheme.
It will see businesses have their own web page and the chance to offer customers loyalty discount cards when they shop with them.
It is hoped this will help tempt customers away from larger chain stores and support individual businesses.
Chris Friswell, marketing consultant for Lets Group, spoke to members of Oakengates Chamber of Trade about the scheme.
He said: “I want to see it launched fully early next year.
“I think businesses in Oakengates need to come together to put business on the map. This website would be creating something special for the traders of the town.
“Businesses will have a professional profile with opening times attached to it and loyalty cards.
“Traders have got to give people a reason to shop so by creating loyalty it’s important for people to come back time and time again.
“If a bit of loyalty can make a company we can bring the traders back into the town.”
www.visitoakengates.co.uk would give businesses a new forum to advertise and they are also given the option of a shop online facility. The website will feature community events.
Members of the chamber are now deciding whether to step forward with the scheme.
Christine Orford, chairman of the chamber, said: “If we want to go on with this we need to launch it at the start of the New Year.”
David Wright, Telford MP, said: “There are a number of successful loyalty schemes across the country and this sounds like a great idea for Oakengates which could really help Oakengates and promote local trade.
“I am still pressing the borough council to see investment in the infrastructure of Oakengates and I am pushing for fair rents and charges in the town.”
Mr Wright is currently conducting a petition to see business rents and charges lowered and has collected around 300 signatures. Visit www.davidwrightmp.org.uk
The next Chamber meeting is on January 12 at 6.15pm at the Crown Inn.