I WAS struck by the story about empty shops in the Forest towns. You stated that this was surprising in times of prosperity.
Christmas trading proved very difficult for many national retail companies, while independent retailers in small towns report good trading. In Chepstow many of our independent shops report excellent figures for the Christmas period. Maybe the shoppers are valuing the friendly personal service you get in the smaller towns.
The Chepstow Chamber of Commerce is holding a Marketing Workshop on February 1 at 6pm in the George Hotel, Chepstow. We hope to discuss how to market Chepstow in 2001 and to share good ideas from businesses.
Any of your readers in business or in local authorities would be very welcome. – Andrew Griffith, President, Chepstow Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.