Loyalty scheme could re-invent town centre

DISILLUSIONED town centre traders could be sounded out over a customer loyalty scheme in a bid to turnaround the town centre.

Retailers and town officials held talks at the Clandeboye Lodge on Friday just a day after the Spectator revealed plans for a major extension at Bloomfield Shopping Centre.

Bangor publican Martin Wolsey said a customer loyalty scheme could boost repeat trade in the town.

The Spectator, corporate sponsors of the Bangor Business Awards, pledged its support to such a scheme and offered to print promotional material.

Mr Wolsey told the crunch meeting, "We all would join into this and give points to people and they could be cashed in at a Bangor shop or pub.

"At times where people are worried about trade we could offer double points. We hear about people claiming to be Bangorians. Why don’t we tap in to that and ask ‘why don’t you shop in Bangor?’"

The Spectator´s Stuart Kennedy said, "I would certainly support any initiative that stimulates town centre trade."

North Down Borough Council´s Tourism Chief Christine Mahon warned that a similar scheme had been proposed five years ago, but failed to win support from traders.