Huntly businesses are ready for two week long Fiver Fest deals
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A national campaign which promotes buying local launches in Huntly on Saturday.
Fiver Fest runs until Saturday, October 23 and more than 20 businesses are taking part offering special deals and promotions for the entire fortnight.
Businesses are encouraged to promote £5 offers to entice new and returning customers across the threshold to find a bargain and visit somewhere they might not have been previously.
The first Fiver Fest was in June and businesses have been keen to take part again.
Co-ordinator, Vivien Rae, marketing manager for Experience Huntly, said: “We received really positive feedback from Fiver Fest earlier this year - businesses reported an increase in footfall and sales. When the dates were announced for the October event, businesses were really keen to see its return and to take part.
“The impact of spending local is so important, it leads to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy and ultimately makes the area a nicer place to live.”
Ellie Turner of the Ethical Gift Shop believes Fiver Fest has never been more important.
She said: “Lockdown was great for our website, and whilst we’re happy with our online orders, we’d love to see more folk back in our shop.
“Initiatives like this are so important to independent retailers. Fiver fest offers an incentive for folk to pop in, see what’s new in and grab a bargain too.”
Patricia Smith of the Merry Kettle took part last time and noticed an upturn in business.
She said: “Our soup and sweet special deal is a way to thank loyal customers and entice in people who maybe don’t come to the cafe.”
Linda Harper co-ordinates Fiver Fest arrangements at Peter Watt and Sons where they will have a £5 window.
She said:”Having a window full of all kinds of items gives it wider appeal.
“We are really grateful to customers for their continued support of local shops, people are very loyal.”
Fiona Forrest from The Market Cafe is offering £5 deals on scones with a hot drink or a lunch-time soup and sweet.
Some of the people who took advantage of her deals in June have become regular customers.
She said: “Fiver Fest makes a real difference and we do see new faces. It helps people to seek us out as we are out of the town.”
GRA's fundraising arm, Bargain Box is giving away a £5 voucher when someone spends £5 as part of a drive to get the shop, whose revenue is vital for the advice and information service back on track following lockdown.
Fiver Fest is part of a continuing drive by Huntly Business Association to attract more people to the town.
The association was one of the recipients of a grant made available by Aberdeenshire Council from funds paid to the town by SGN following the gas outages earlier in the year and has used the cash towards the current initiative.
Helen Kings, treasurer of the group said, “We were delighted to secure a grant towards the cost of coordinating and promoting Fiver Fest.
"As a Business Association, we are always looking for ways to support our local business community and increase footfall in the town centre.
"Fiver Fest has proven to be a good initiative to facilitate this.
"With the remaining grant funds, we plan to invite a vlogger to the town to showcase everything it has to offer, from quality local produce to visitor attractions and local landmarks.”
Ms Rae, added: “Any measures we can take to support local really do have a direct and positive influence on our community.”
All Fiver Fest deals will be listed at www.experiencehuntly.com and on the Experience Huntly app which is available for free download from the app stores.
