Thousands of pounds has beeninvested with local and regional media to entice visitors from near and far to shop in Hull city centre in the run up to the festive season. A dedicated Christmas website has launched enabling city centre partners to promote their own programme of festive activities.
The BID promotional package targets newspapers and magazines, and also embraces television and radio. Social media outlets have been harnessed as BID, supported by some of the city’s biggest retailers, encourages people to shop locally.
HullBID City Centre Manager Kathryn Shillito said the investment follows the decision to focus on a marketing and advertising route, rather than an activity based campaign which may conflict with other similar activity already planned, commencing on Thursday 22nd November with Hull City Council’s Lights Switch on.
In addition to this, HullBID have commited funds for extra festive lighting in certain areas of the city where currently there is no provision. “We will be consulting with our BID members to look at installing lights in retail areas where there are currently none to make it more festive.”
“Our overall aim this year will be to commit BID ’s resources to market the city effectively and reach a much wider audience as a result.” The new approach has been welcomed by the retail community. Jim Harris, Centre Manager of St Stephen’s said: “At a time when it costs £50 to fill even a small car with petrol, it makes sense to shop locally.”
Steven Marsay, Store Manager of the new-look Debenhams, added: “Our store has been completely modernised and that will kick-start our Christmas campaign.” Lee Appleton, Centre Manager of the Prospect Centre, said: “It’s the most important time of the year for the retail sector. We need to come up with different ideas to capture the public’s imagination so that is what we are going to do.”
The programme of city centre Christmas events and activity will be promoted on the dedicated website www.christmasinhull.co.uk.
