A POPULAR scheme to encourage more shoppers to stop off and shop in Ringwood is still proving to be a success with plans in the pipeline for it to evolve even further.
The current Ringwood Loyalty Discount Scheme was started six months ago by Jim Stride, who was concerned about the number of businesses struggling to survive in the difficult economic climate.
But now, thanks to the work of Deborah Holmes and Mr Stride, the project is set to grow with plans to make it more business-friendly.
The Ringwood Chamber of Trade and Commerce will take over the reins of the scheme from early next year, removing the word discount to enable shops and businesses to introduce different sorts of offers to reward loyalty.
Jim said: “I am very pleased with the way the scheme has gone so far and with the path it looks to take in the future.
“I know of other towns that have copied the scheme and I was invited to go to Totton and Ealing council to give a presentation on our scheme, which has given them the idea to press ahead with their own.
“We are working to try and keep it going but in a slightly altered way.”
Deborah Holmes, of Ringwood marketing company Camarilla added: “It is a work in progress that has proven effective in getting people to use the town’s shops more.
“But now we want to work with the traders more to support the individual businesses.”
Alongside a plastic credit-card style card for customers, there will be a website to promote Ringwood’s businesses and promoting the town as a whole.
And while there may be cost, something which the current scheme does not incur, Deborah promises it will be kept as low as possible.
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