Indie York Now! ‘The city is open for business’ says new campaign
Independent traders from across York have launched a new campaign with the message: ‘The city is open for business’.
The Indie York Now campaign came together at Clifford’s Tower to make it clear that the floods are gone and almost all businesses are trading normally.
One of the key organisers is Johnny Hayes, the chairman of the Bishy Road Traders Association. He told YorkMix that the short term aim “is about making people aware that York is open for business”.
“There are so many businesses suffering from people staying away,” he said.
They are dry, safe and wanting to do business. Those that are flooded want to get up and running ASAP.
Businesses want your custom not your pity.
‘Brilliant independent scene’
YorkMix has heard from various traders of bookings being cancelled and significant sums of money lost. The city centre has been noticeably quiet since the floods dissipated and people came back to work.
Johnny, who was awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours List for his service to the community in Bishopthorpe Road, said now was the time for York’s flourishing group of independent business to work together.
“York has a brilliant independent scene and today independents were united in looking forward to the future.”
He said groups on Bishy Road, Fossgate, Micklegate, Walmgate, Gillygate, Goodramgate and Acomb, among other areas in York, had previously done all the work of promoting independent traders.
The metaphor is not ideal for flooding but Indie York is the phoenix rising from the ashes.
The turnout for the launch on Saturday (January 9) was excellent, he said: “I know there is a huge amount of support.”
I am a strong supporter of local indie businessess, always picking them over the chain shops. However I think January is an odd time to launch this campaign as a quick walk around York will shop you that vast numbers are NOT open for business. Three times in the last week I have been to a local shop only to find a ‘closed for refurb/rest until mid-end January’ sign up. Delis, bookshops, cafes, bakers…all my usual haunts are shut for a well earned rest. Fair play to them and I will be back shopping there once they re-open but asking people to come to York and shop Independent when so many places are shut is surely not a way to drum up new long term repeat trade.