Huntly businesses fight back with concerted Fiver Fest effort to drive up town centre footfall
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FROM Saturday, for two weeks, businesses in and around Huntly will be offering a range of special deals - all for a fiver.
They have signed up to Fiver Fest, promoted to by the Experience Huntly marketing manager Vivien Rae.
The aim is to encourage people to spend locally and across Huntly, businesses hope that taking part will help restore footfall to pre pandemic levels.
Anna Wilson at Huntly Herbs believes the timing is right for the campaign.
She said: "Fiver Fest seems like a good way of promoting the 'shop local' message, which has gathered so much more momentum in the past year.
"There's a great range of produce available in and around Huntly and although we have probably all bemoaned the number of closed shops, there's a danger of overlooking those which are still open - and other local businesses like ourselves, which don't actually have a shop front in town.
"For Huntly Herbs, taking part is about reminding people that we're still here and selling our wares, albeit in a different way."
Huntly Herbs is offering one large jar and one small jar plus free delivery in Huntly for £5 via its online shop.
Gordon Largue owns the two pharmacies in Huntly and is glad that a town wide approach to the Fiver Fest initiative has been taken.
He said: "The pandemic has changed people's shopping habits and we really need footfall to return to shops. Fiver Fest can only help get people back into the town centre to shop locally."
Laura Gardner owns The Larder on Gordon Street and diversified her business to offer more takeaway options during the pandemic.
She said:"Taking part in Fiver Fest is my way of thanking customers who have been incredibly loyal over the past year and to entice in people who may not have sampled the savoury and sweet offerings we serve up."
Scott Garrett is manager at the Whiskies of Scotland Shop and is offering customers a miniature and a Glen Cairn glass for just a fiver.
Mr Garrett said: "It's a great opportunity to let people know that we are open and trading again and perhaps it will encourage more locals to come in."
Forbes Raeburn and Sons have taken part in the initiative individually previously and hope that having more businesses involved will make it more of a success.
Charles Raeburn said:"We'll have four products each at £5. It's been well received before. Having more of Huntly involved hopefully means people stay in town and shop locally rather than go somewhere else taking part.
At the Ethical Gift shop people can pick up a pair of bamboo socks which usually sell at £7 for just a fiver.
Ellie Turner said: "It's been a tough time for businesses and we need people to come back and enjoy all the amazing things that Huntly has."
Dean's coffee stop have a special 10" pizza and can of juice deal for £5 and Neep and Okra have a special price on two recipe boxes and spice blends.
Dawn Finch of Neep and Okra said: "People will be able to get two of my £3 recipe boxes or blend sachets for a fiver. It's a great opportunity to try some new flavours for less, and support a wee local business.”
Ms Rae said: "I’m delighted by the response from local businesses. Some have taken part in Fiver Fest individually previously, but this is year there is a co-ordinated effort and the enthusiasm and support has been really encouraging.
"Hopefully with more businesses taking part, shoppers will be encouraged to visit the town centre.”
Fiver Fest runs until Saturday, June 26.
