12 Oct, 2016

City Retail Strategy Year One Achievements

The “Experience Adelaide” City Retail Strategy 2015-2020 has reached the first significant milestone since being launched for retailers in June 2015, with year one achievements now available.

The 12 month report highlights the actions delivered in the period July 2015 to June 2016.

The Retail Strategy is focused on four key outcomes of a remarkable experience, compelling retail offer, making the city a destination of choice and a prosperous retail sector.

The annual summary of achievements will be delivered to all 2,500 city retail and hospitality businesses over the coming week (beginning 10th October) and includes:

• Retail Forums in February and April 2016 providing excellent opportunities for businesses to hear from professionals in mainstreets and city centres to demonstrate successful methods of building collaborative retail sectors interstate and overseas.
• A shopper research project conducted in May and June 2016 to better understand shopping behaviour and trends. The survey involved over 800 over the phone and ‘face to face’ interviews.
• The establishment of a new monthly e-newsletter sent to over 1000 businesses in the city, and a contact database for business communication.
• Marketing campaigns to promote the city retail offer, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Spring and Winter Fashion.
• The Advertiser 2016 City Awards, strongly supported by City of Adelaide through the Experience Adelaide City Retail Strategy, enjoyed outstanding success with additional retail categories, more nominations and voter numbers up 300 per cent. The new categories introduced in 2016 acknowledged retail staff delivering excellent customer service, and a Hall of Fame category that recognised long standing retailers with more than 25 years in business.
• A significant retail component was included in the ‘Christmas in the City’ campaign and almost 200 small retailers benefited from advertising and promotion during this critical retail period.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said Council will continue to work closely with the State Government and property owners along North Terrace to overcome barriers and develop a luxury brand precinct along North Terrace with new flagship brands.

“This is a precinct that has so much potential in particular with the tram extension and projects like the Gawler Place redevelopment bring more people into the area,” said Martin.

“Council is also investing into a number of other public realm projects such as an upgrade to the network of laneways from the Adelaide Central Market to Riverbank.

“In addition, Council has also announced that it is developing a business case for ultrafast data speeds in the City of Adelaide.

“These projects will all support the city’s retail and hospitality sectors, which are major employers.

“In 2016/17 we’ll also see a greater focus on Council assisting businesses to leverage key city events.”

Dean Flintoft, Managing Director Australian Fashion Labels/BNKR said Council is crucial to the redevelopment of North Terrace and delivering the City Retail Strategy as a whole.

“They are leading the charge with the vision and, at the same time, have intimate involvement with both the retailers and owners to realise that vision,” said Dean.

Experience Adelaide Retail Strategy