Shopping plan to beat recession is in the bag

Published on Saturday 21 March 2009 12:57

EDINBURGH'S Open For Business group has teamed up with retailers in Leith, the West End and the city centre to launch the Scottish capital's first online interactive shopping guide, www.edinburghshopper.com.

The group aims to attract visitors during the recession and counter the disruption caused by the tram works in the city.

The site is a free resource for all businesses within the tram construction zone. Visitors logging on to the site will be able to browse its listings or create their own shopping itinerary. Each retailer has its own page with information on the store, including opening times and contact details to allow users to create 'shopping maps'. The site will also feature transport and parking information to make it easier for shoppers to plan their journey.

Graham Birse, chairman of the Open For Business group and deputy chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "Edinburghshopper.com is an excellent resource for both locals and visitors to the capital. The site is a comprehensive guide showing what Edinburgh has to offer across its diverse shopping areas."

The Open For Business campaign was set up to promote businesses and retailers in Edinburgh during tram construction. It aims to lure shoppers into stores through a series of marketing initiatives. It works in partnership with retailers across the city, ensuring that they are consulted on plans.

Michael Apter, owner of stores Paper Tiger and Studio One in the West End, said the economic climate had affected retailers and the situation has been exacerbated by the tram works in the last 12 months. "It's difficult to trade in that environment."

He added that while Edinburghshopper.com may not have an immediate impact, it will work in the longer term.