Ballymoney
Blog

In the current economic climate, it has never been more important to look at our businesses with fresh eyes, in order to make sure that we are doing all we can to maximise sales. Merchandising, store layout & windows can be transformed, in many cases through a lot of effort and a small budget, but have a positive impact on sales.

Town Centre Managaement are inviting Ballymoney businesses to book their space on a seminar entitled “Creating Impact Through Merchandising, Store layout & Captivating Window Concepts”, presented by experienced retail consultant and local man George Lyons. The event takes place in the Council Offices on Tuesday 23rd September.

Commenting on the new initiataive Town Centre Board Member, Johnathan Payne, said, “As a former retailer in the town, I appreciate the importance of effective window dressing. Using the shop front is the one of the best forms of advertising you can get. Even the most innovative business can always pick up fresh ideas through attending such events. I would highly recommend businesses to get in touch with TCM to book their place.”

Joanne McLaughlin, Town Centre Project Officer further commented, “Even service sector businesses, who have traditionally not used their windows can benefit from this e.g. solicitors, accountants may learn innovative ways to promote their business through their shop front in eyecatching ways that boost the overall ambience of a town.”

“Window displays are retailers’ most economical form of advertising: they bring glamour, fun, theatre and art to the streets, while visibly expressing the shops image and aspirations.” Mary Portas - Mary Queen of Shops

Seminar Fee £25 per person – limited to first 20 spaces and pre booking is essential. Phone Joanne on 2766 0238 to book now!!

Foremost on the agenda of last weeks Town Centre Group Board meeting was the downturn in the global economy which is beginning to make its presence felt in Ballymoney as elsewhere, forcing shop closures and a slowing down on new investment.

TCM Board are keen to do whatever they can to overturn this trend locally and to strengthen the town as a shopping and hospitality base for those living in the area and the tourist population. One of the initiatives being progessed is the development of the evening economy by creating new events celebrating the town’s history and culture.

Ballymoney has many famous and important connections, around which town based events could be built, eg, playwright George Shiels, comedian and actor Jimmy Young, Olympic athlete Kennedy McArthur and American President William McKinley to name but a few. TCM has previously had success with pilot events promoting a George Shiels Festival and Jimmy Young Weekend and believes that these events, attracting more people into the town, will help boost the town economy.

Plans for events will be fleshed out over the coming months. If you have any ideas for events you want to share with TCM, significant dates that might be celebrated etc, please get in touch with Joanne at TCM - telephone 028 2766 0238 or email tcm@ballymoney.gov.uk.

The Council has announced that Ballymoney Museum, based at the Town Hall in Townhead Street, will close on 1st September to enable the Interpretative Fit Out of the exhibition galleries etc, a £400,000 project, towards which the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £300,000. Works are expected to be complete by Spring 2009.

Haley Sharpe Design, Leicester, has been commissioned by Council to develop the schematic design and they have been working closely with Councillors and Council Officers for the past year to firm up their design proposals. These are now at an advanced stage and Council is ready to tender the work to enable the fit out to take place over the next six months.

When the Museum opens its doors again, visitors will be able to experience two new permanent exhibitions telling the Story of Ballymoney and the Story of Road Racing as well as a series of temporary exhibitions. A new Local History Resource Area will provide the opportunity to explore the stories of the people, places, genealogy and the history of the Ballymoney Borough.

What do you think of Ballymoney as a shopping town? Please feel free to email your comments to tcm@ballymoney.gov.uk. Thank you.

In recent years many changes of ownership and management have taken place in the town, adding to the vibrancy of the town's retail and hospitality offer.

La Petite Baguette in Victoria Street has been under new management since February 2007. Tel: 028 2766 2801

Buds & Bows in Main Street has been under new management since October 04 Tel: 028 2766 2146

Anne Shiels Jewellers in Victoria Street has been under new management since June 2005 Tel: 028 2766 2146

Clock Tower Restaurant, High Street, (formerly High Street Cafe) has been under new management since September 2005, Tel 028 2766 5400

Kidz & Kribz of Maiin Street (formerly The Nursery Nook) has been under new management since January 2007 028 2766 3118