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Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Jenny (14th May 2007 - 13:46:30) So many threads have been posted lately about how to attract business that when i stumbled across this on the Haslemere.com website i thought it might work in turn for Liphook businesses? haslemere.com/... Sounds like an excellent idea to me - how about it for Station Road? Jen

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Dave (14th May 2007 - 17:39:06) Yeah I think that would be a possibilty for the shops in Liphook to think about anything to get people into the shops. Also I dont know how feasible it wud be in Liphook, but Haslemere have a point card system a bit like Boots, so that would encourage people to keep shopping in Liphook to gain points to spend throughout Liphook, but I'm not sure how Haslemere got that running.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (15th May 2007 - 08:52:41) Jenny Thank you for posting the article. My first school was in Beacon Hill very many years ago. Then it was the main shopping centre for a number of villages. It had 3 supermarkets (not the size of the ones today), 2 butchers, a very large Hardware Store, clothes shop, newsagents etc, etc. Over the years it declined as shops closed and about 8 years ago, I went there and almost cried at the state it was in. I will have to make an effort to go and see the improvements for myself. The interesting comparason is does lilphook have to get that low before help is offered. I sincerely hope not!!. When I was talking to the Proffessor of retail, who is currently helping us with the Sainsburys issue, he told me of a London Borough (cant remember which one), who completely turned their high street around from the depths of hell by the local authorities and property owners, setting low charges for the first 2 years, and a realistic rent thereafter BUT the main change was only to fill them with small independant retailers - not one high street giant was allowed. It has completely changed the area, emplyoment increased and crime greatly reduced, because the shop owners belonged to the community. tackling this problem needs a consertive effort of many people, it has been mentioned here that perhaps Liphook needs some sort of Chamber of Commerce or a Shops Keepers alliance - indeed we do. Is this someting that the parish council should initiate or the shop traders = if its us, who else is interested? Please contact me at the Housewares if you are - phone number on our advert!! Sue

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (15th May 2007 - 21:51:12) Hi Sue, I thought we used to have a Liphook Chamber of Trade. This obviously was a few years ago and I'am not sure what happened to it. Maybe anybody in the know could shed some light on it. Would be interested in any promotion for local business's and would like to think we could all pull together on this issue. Something needs to be done and pretty quick one feels. Would be willing to help if required. Let me know. Anybody else out there?

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - LippyChick (15th May 2007 - 22:20:27) I'd most certainly be interested. I've spoken to a few local retailers who'd be interested, although much as I'd like (and I must stress this) I don't have the energy or resources to run it myself. I'd be delighted to pull with the crowd though and help get something in motion Lips x

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (18th May 2007 - 17:54:05) Just been trampled by the stampede! Lips, it looks like you and me. Lips, I drive through Station Rd most mornings and didn't know you had moved along a few shops. Had a look through the window, looks good.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - LippyChick (18th May 2007 - 21:56:54) Hi Steve Thank you for the compliment. I was hoping that if any business initiative was set up in Liphook it would include not only those in Station Road, but also those of us in The Square and anywhere else in the village who also want to encourage people to shop locally. Do you have any great ideas? I'm not sure that there are enough traders to set up a loyalty scheme like that in Weyhill, but we have so many great shops locally there must be some way to let people know? Feel free to drop me a mail on a3sportsuk@yahoo.co.uk if you have any ideas you'd like to discuss :) Lips x

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - SueW (19th May 2007 - 11:02:25) Lips, No one ever suggested that only those businesses in Station Road would be accepted.! Indeed Steve was interested and he doesn't even have a Shop, but a business nevertheless. There does seem to be a total lack on enthusiasm from Business - but I put that down to VERY few businesses actually know or use this site. Like so many customers of mine. Perhaps it would take some type of mail shot etc to make them aware that at least 3 businesses are interested.? Sue

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - PRC Helen (19th May 2007 - 12:17:52) Make that 4! - We at PRC would be interested - you can contact me about it personally (see local shops page) Helen

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (19th May 2007 - 14:38:52) Lips, Peeps, I'am losing it sorry girls. I think the first thing to be addressed would be an education awareness of all business's within Liphook of this site and the benefits for all. Some form of business directory for all Liphook based shops and companies. I know we have got that facility on here, but I have reservations about the keyword system. The New Local Shops has only attracted a very small number of entries, I believe this is because not many know about it. These are only ideas I've thrown in, but feel if all the business's are aware of each other and what they have to offer potential customers it could be beneficial. How many times have you shop owners had people come in and whilst buying something from your shop have asked "Do you know where I could buy.....................?" or "Can anyone recommend a.................? Let me know your thoughts.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - purplecurly (19th May 2007 - 16:09:24) Why not go about it like Grayshott did. They set up BIG (buy in Grayshott) and put copies of the directory - listing ALL the businesses in Grayshott - through almost every letterbox. This included both shops and services. I believe it was paid for by advertising spaces in the centre pages. It was a huge success. They still have BIG meetings regularly to discuss all sorts of matters and to continually promote Grayshott shopping and business. PC

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (19th May 2007 - 18:17:27) Purplecurly I have recently been told about the Grayshot scheme. We could do with a BILL here (Buy in lovelly Liphook, or something along those lines). Steve, Apart from you confusing posters with the correct business, you are suggesting positive things. (By the way do you have direct contact with the Ed?). Most people in retail already are aware what others sell - its sort of essential. But people who work here within other businesses and those who live here are the ones who need to be directed to the right shops. Perhaps it should be something like you say an informal 'chat kinda thing', as people seem to switch off to. 'adverts', and very little about what items never comes over in an advert. For instance I sell cookware & bakeware, but you wouldnt necessarily think that would include an Asparagus Steamer or Fish Kettle, (which it does!!). There is definately a need for a Liphook association, which theer are now 4 interested, You, A3 Sports, PRC and me at the Hardware (2 shops). The other main problem is that where other Stores attract shoppers from further afield, those will never get to know, that half of Liphook even exists. For instance Station Road. Many years I travelled through Liphook on the old A3, and never realised that their was as many shops in Station Road as the square. It is more of a case of making both sectors of Liphook equal in profile. Sue

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (19th May 2007 - 21:04:46) Sue W, Must agree the posting was confusing, mixed up Lips with Peeps. Its an age thing! Take your point about shops etc, what I meant really was all the other business's etc in and around the village and what they offer. We have customers come to see us from many miles, London, Portsmouth, Midlands and West Country to name a few, we also have many people come from Liphook and the first thing they say is "Didn't know you were here and what you do etc". Take where we are there are numerous business's offering Joinery, 4x4 repairs and servicing, Landscaping & Tree Surgery, Motor Servicing & Repairs, Bodywork Specialists, Builders, Vehicle Recovery, Ornamental Ironwork & Structural Steelwork to name a few. Now I could not name all the business's on the Beaver Estate or where Fairholts used to be in Station Rd, or up at Hollycombe let alone all the others dotted around. My point being if the customers and visitors to these business's wanted lunch and a drink etc or a snack and cuppa plus some shopping then with a bit of promotional pushing it could all help. Get the PC and HCC to get some decent signs up on the roads making people aware that there are also shops at Station Rd as well as the Square. Compile a business directory even if its just for local people. Could we get a business and shop board put up in Sainsbury's, The Station, Local papers etc etc. An extension to this site maybe. I don't know but I feel if you got the majority on board it would all help. Regards, Steve

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (21st May 2007 - 20:59:23) Steve, There was a company who set up such a scheme, called 'Town Crier', whom we advertised with for the past two years. Apart from feeling totally conned, and their distribution pathetic it was basically a good idea. They worked on the idea of a small directory, covering seperate areas, Haslemere, Petersfield, Liphook etc, and was designed to be the local guide to Businesses. It is quite useful, and mine is always by my till - I use it to find the number of the Cook Shop in Haslemere for customers I cant help. If you would like to see a copy pop into Trev or myself. The distribution was supposed to be into every home/business in the area. Many participating business had bundles delivered for collection by customers, and I think in reality that was their only 'distribution'. Sue

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (21st May 2007 - 23:32:26) I dont know if I dreamt it, but do we have an 'information' sign pointing to the Harry Haskell Centre, perhaps they already have this sort of info there. Afterall it should be the centre of all information on Liphook?

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - rob (22nd May 2007 - 10:34:41) What's LIDBA for, then, other than arranging an annual bike ride? rob.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (22nd May 2007 - 19:12:57) Now you ask i know what they stand for, but by all accounts its a bit like a 'club', you have to be asked to join. Bit select by all accounts. Sorry to any member, as they do a lot of fund raising, they dont produce any type of information leaflet that Steve was talking about - if they do, it must be a secret?. Boys (& Girls if there is any), have your say on this site.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (22nd May 2007 - 20:14:49) Check out their web site. It will explain, me thinks. www.lidba.co.uk

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (23rd May 2007 - 09:10:35) Steve, Explains what?. Yes they do a lot for charity etc, something everyone knows, and seem to have a jolly old time doing it. If it was anything like their entry into the Carnival - I'v seen it first hand!!. I couldn't see anywhere on 'how to join', and neither do they offer what one poster was referring to - and that was a local business support group (I think). Is the Alan Baker the same as the Editor? - if so perhaps you could put me right if I have missed the vital point. [editor - I've been rumbled ! LiDBA is not a local business support group, it is an association of like minded men set up to raise money for local charities and causes.]

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (23rd May 2007 - 20:41:52) Thanks Editor, Thought I was on the right road, nice to know that I know something more than being a Supermarket Policeman that Phil thinks I am. {see another subject) Sue

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (24th May 2007 - 20:25:36) Had a very kind person come into my shop today, with a copy of the Bramshott & Liphook Street Plan, available from the council office. It has a number of shop adverts - but the interesting thing is that it was done by 'the Liphook Marketing Panel' Who are they? and do they still exist? On the Information Pages it says that its been produced by the 'Marketing Panel on behalf of the Parish. The Panel also periodically publishes a LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY?' Ring any bells with anyone? Sue

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (24th May 2007 - 22:12:49) Nope! never heard of them.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Mike Grimes (25th May 2007 - 00:39:12) I think Liphook Marketing Panel may be an alternative name for "Liphook in Bloom". [editor - well spotted Mike - "Raised "all-ability" flower beds constructed by Liphook Marketing Panel "Liphook in Bloom" in 1998." - from our councils own website.]

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Candyfloss (25th May 2007 - 09:20:51) I was under the impression that Liphook in Bloom took over the 'flower' side of things, but I do not know if the Liphook Marketing Panel are still involved in the printing of a Business Directory or even active. If not perhaps it should be resurrected.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Allan (25th May 2007 - 16:28:50) The Liphook Marketing Panel was formed back around 1994/5. It comprised of well known local business and tradesmen anxious to give Liphook a "lift" post recession and to raise the profile of Liphook as a place to shop and do business in. One of their main initiatives was the production of a local business register, well put together and funded, by and large, by the sale of advertising space. This was all done on a voluntary basis and in their own time. Another initiative was to get local companies to "sponsor a flower bed" This was extremely successful and in turn spawned the Liphook in Bloom competition, initially only on a local basis. The enthusiasm generated by the sprouting of glorious colour in the village then (I believe) led to the organisors of L. in B. to enter Liphook in the South of England in Bloom (?) and remains a focus of Liphook life. The downside of the success of L. in B. was that the original Marketing Panel seems to have got lost in it's wake. The map produced some years later , I was told , was an attempt by some of the origial M.P. to kick start it again. That was the last I heard of the M.P. but, it's offspring and the volunteers must get the credit for being the reason that Liphook looks so floral all year round, particularly in the summer. I asked one of the originals last year what caused it's demise. He reckoned commitment of time was the problem for most. I guess that probably is right. Apologies to any of the M.P. members if I've missed out any important bits or got dates wrong; it was a while ago!

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Steve Read (25th May 2007 - 17:37:15) Well many people I've spoken to today have never heard of this. Considering the amount of bickering on here regarding yet again Sainsbury's I have seen no suggestions about raising Liphook's profile. Apathy continues to strive forward in Liphook, mind you after nearly 50 years here nothing changes.

Re: Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Sue W (25th May 2007 - 19:57:11) Steve have you forgotten there are some of us shop keepers who are still very interested, hence my posting of the Liphook Marketing Panel. It is just going to take time for a few of us to make a difference. Was hoping to tap into someone elses experiences first. Dont give up - not all of us are lethargic! I do feel though that not enough business are chomping at the bit, and to reiterate perhaps a more direct approach to businesses is needed first? Sue

Bringing people back to Liphook shopping - Liphook Initiative - Sudha (14th Apr 2009 - 09:56:14) Hello,everybody, I have just read the previous thread on improving the profile of Liphook. I class myself as a newcomer because even though we took over the Chautari in November 2007, due to unforseen health problems in the family, we were not able to actively participate. Now that Mani is retiring from the Army after 37 years! and his health is better, we are very keen to join in. I say to EVERYONE in Liphook, please note there will be a meeting at the BLACK FOX on the 29th APRIL - Please try to come with/without INITIATIVES how to GO FORWARD with BRINGING PEOPLE BACK TO LIPHOOK! Sudha.

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