Shopkeepers start voucher scheme to keep business in Kemp Town (From The Argus)

Shopkeepers start voucher scheme to keep business in Kemp Town

1:00pm Friday 21st November 2008

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A group of shopkeepers are hoping to unite their street together with a voucher scheme.

Traders in George Street in Kemp Town say they are not only battling with the credit crunch but to compete with the bigger and better known stores in St James’s Street.

Zoe Delicata, 28, of Kemptown Tools at numbers 46 and 47 said: “We have such a variety of really good shops but people seem to miss us on their way down St James’s Street.

“I thought a voucher available for use in all the shops on our street might not only help those of us struggling with the credit crunch but will also help us build a bit of a George Street community.

“We’re all short of money and we’re all struggling for advertising but I’m sure the best way to get through these times is to come together.”

So far organic food store Yummy Stuff, The Tea Cosy tearooms, The Queen’s Arms pub and card shop Kiss Me Kwik are all interested in being a part of the voucher system.

Miss Delicata said: “I want to promote the street as a community of shops.

“I only started my shop here in February, which in a way was bad timing.

Now I want to promote the street as a community of shops rather than have each of us struggling alone.

“I used to work in London but wanted to move back to my home town and the reason I picked Kemp Town above anywhere else is it is almost a little village of its own within a city. It has a history as being a strong community and I’m hoping these vouchers will enhance that.”

The Kemp Town traders were inspired by the success of the Lewes Pound, a currency which can only be used in the shops of Lewes and sold out within days.

The scheme was promoted as a community gesture and is one Kemp Town shop owners think might work for them.

Those taking part

The Tea Cosy tearoom

Kiss Me Kwik cards and gifts

Kemptown Tools

The Jog Shop

Spruce hair salon

Brookes beauty salon

Freedom Bikes

Richardsons hair salon

Travel agent

Pullingers shoe repairs and high quality shoes

Yummy Stuff food store

The Card Pigeon card shop

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