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Penarth retailers join to launch Vale's first digital high street

Enterprising retailers across Penarth have joined forces to develop the first digital High Street in the Vale, with 52 Penarth businesses already signed up and more joining each day.

 

  • Tuesday, 09 March 2021

    Vale of Glamorgan



As high streets across the UK face increasing challenges, retailers are looking for innovative solutions to keep trading and maintain that critical relationship with their customers.
 
By joining forces in this way, developing a trading platform for Penarth retailers using the digital shopping site ShopAppy, Penarth retailers are bringing the high street to the homes of their residents.
 
This not only provides a great solution to support their customers at this difficult time, but also allows trade to continue albeit in a new and innovative way.
 
The scheme has been developed by the Penarth Business Group who successfully secured £12,000 funding through the Vale of Glamorgan Council to pilot the scheme during its first years trading.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting Penarth Business Group in piloting the launch of ShopAppy in the county.

 
“As we begin the economic recovery from coronavirus, it’s more important than ever to look for ways to support our local shops and businesses. We hope the trial of digital innovation schemes such as ShopAppy Penarth will further support our local economy by improving sales and attracting more customers in the changing marketplace.
 
“Penarth Business Group have always been very proactive in working together as a group to face challenges collectively, and our hope is that this will bring a real benefit to local businesses and the community of Penarth alike.”
 
Angelina Hall, Chair of the Penarth Business Group said; “We’re thrilled to bring ShopAppy to our customers in Penarth. It’s ideal for people who are not able to pop to the high street or who prefer to shop online. It’s an easy-to-use system that allows shop-keepers to sign up and upload their products in minutes, and provides a quick and simple check-out for customers.
 
“The support we’ve received so far has been overwhelming. You can buy everything from a jam doughnut to a diamond ring! We have bakers, café bars and restaurants, jewelers, sweet shops, newsagents, gift shops, boutiques, delicatessens, an electrical store, florist and fishmongers, as well as lots of local non-retail services already signed up with more to come very soon.”

Customers are encouraged to take a look at www.shopappy.com/Penarth to see what’s available now and what’s coming soon.
 
Shop apply is one of a number of schemes launched by the Council in support of our High Streets
during these challenging times.
 
The Welsh Government Transforming Towns scheme alongside other funding streams has seen the development of a series of projects aimed at supporting each of our shopping districts as we look ahead to recovery measures post Covid.
 
Other schemes include the introduction of ‘parklets’ in Penarth, infrastructure improvement measures such as banners, bike racks and visual improvement measures in Barry as well as lighting schemes and landscaping to improve infrastructure in Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.