Independent retailers recently united in London to celebrate the ongoing success of the national online selling platform, Down Your High Street (DYHS). Also in attendance were event organisers Network & Chill and partners The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).

The event’s aim was to inspire retailers and to encourage networking. Also, to provide a deeper understanding of the DYHS platform, which now has 600 independent retailers trading on it.

There were also workshop sessions from DYHS supporter Mark Hayes, stylist on ITV’s Lorraine. Plus, a motivational talk from The Apprentice winner, Sian Gabbidon.

 

 

Commenting on the event is Bira’s national membership manager, Julie Holden. “Down Your High Street is an ideal platform for our members. We are proud to work in partnership with them to provide an opportunity for bricks and mortar retailers to embrace online sales in a simple and affordable way.

“The fact that all traders on the platform must have a physical shop is very important to us. We want to support the high street whilst recognising the convenience factor for consumers and the need for retailers to respond to changes in the way people are shopping.”

Also commenting is Dan Whytock, CEO of Down Your High Street. “As the co-founder of Downyourhighstreet.com (and once upon a time a market trader), the relationship we have formed with Bira brings me great excitement.

“We are able to work with their 100+ years of retail supporting experience to make sure our independents are looked after and supported in the best way possible. In the current retail climate, this is more important than ever before.

“Our relationship started with a common interest in driving awareness of the UK high street. We can proudly say that together we have now achieved that with our first joint success story.

“Artichoke Boutique in Swaffham signed up to Down Your High Street through Bira. It went on to sell hundreds of products and gained TV exposure from it, producing a brand-new revenue stream to help keep its shop open on the high street. We look forward to a long-term relationship with Bira supporting retailers all over the country.”

Bira’s session at the event was delivered by Bira approved service partner Maybe, a social media listening and engagement platform.

The session focussed on the following topics; parking challenges; Brexit and business rates; plus the differences in opinion on how these issues affect the high street between consumers and retailers.