A self-described “retail doctor” has returned to Bendigo, this time meeting with traders hoping to breathe new life into the city’s ailing central business district.
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Retail consultant Brian Walker told a group of about 30 small business operators last night they were under pressure to not only ensure their shopfronts were enticing to passers-by but also to put in place digital marketing strategies that drove customers into their stores.
That meant retailers were working harder than ever before, Mr Walker said.
But he offered hope to those who attended his address at the Latrobe Art Institute, declaring: “We will never live in a world where people sit in dark rooms or couch surf, and don’t visit shops.”
But businesses needed to provide the public what the internet could not: the ability for customers to interact with products and with staff members.
Read more: Bendigo trading is ‘tale of two cities’
He also urged brands with long-term ties to Bendigo, or with products made inside the city, to feature that fact prominently in their communication to customers.
Mr Walker first visited Bendigo in March last year at the invitation of the City of Greater Bendigo.
The city’s regional sustainable development manager, Trevor Budge, said Mr Walker’s visit would help traders adapt for a changed retail environment.
He said doing so was critical to the vitality of central Bendigo.
“Improving our CBD will require... the city, current and future business owners, and landlords working together to meet gaps in the market, keep rents affordable and ensure our streets are clean, presentable and vibrant.”
Mr Walker’s visit comes as an Australian accounting firm predicts a difficult start to 2018 for Bendigo’s small businesses.
Read more: Fresh eyes as doctor reviews retail sector
A report from Xero Australia found slower employment growth and late invoice payments will put strain on proprietors.
Small business employment levels in the region have risen by 1.4 per cent year-on-year, below the national average of 7.36%, and is the lowest nationally, according to the report.
However, there were some positives — more than half of local small businesses were cash flow positive.
Xero Australia managing director Trent Innes said: “Small businesses, including those in regional Australia drive economic prosperity for the nation.”
He called for the “digitising the country” to enable small businesses to thrive, wherever they were based.
