Preston has launched an innovative regeneration campaign to attract more visitors into the town and support independent retailers. Preston Bid has partnered with TikTap to use innovative mobile technology to proactively increase footfall in Preston by introducing a local offer and voucher incentive scheme.
Utilising mobile technology supplied by TikTap, which has been developed by the company behind Orange Wednesdays, local retailers in the town centre will be able to provide shoppers with instant offers and exclusive promotions redeemable in store via their mobile phones.
The TikTap technology is enabled via a unique pod, which is plugged into a retailer’s EPOS electronic till system. Consumers download the TikTap app, which stores details of all live offers in the area – users ‘Tik’ the ones that appeal. When they are in the shop, they simply tap their mobile phones over the pod to redeem the offer, bridging the gap between online, mobile and High Street shopping.
This new initiative which will be launched to businesses next week and consumers at the end of June aims to be a major part of the strategy to reverse decline in Preston with more than 13.6% of shops currently empty, compared to a national average of 9.8%, partially due to the difficult economic climate and the increase in online and mobile shopping at the expense of bricks-and-mortar retail stores.
TikTap will help small retailers with lower marketing budgets market themselves to a wider audience, as well as larger businesses who already promote traditional offers via bonus card schemes, print vouchers and other more traditional communication channels like direct mailings. It harnesses the use of smartphones, which people carry with them all the time, enabling more effective, targeted offers tailored to new and existing customers,
Peter Rankin, Council Leader, Preston City Council says: “ I have had TikTap demonstrated to me and it promises to be an really exciting innovation, in fact, just what the High Street needs currently. It’s great news that Preston will be the key launch City for this innovation and it could be of real benefit to local shops. I wish it every success.”
Mark Whittle at Preston Bid and The Chamber of Commerce, commented: “In our opinion TikTap will not only attract new visitors to the area, but it is also a long-term solution, as the technology enables retailers to deliver effective local marketing activity and make sure visitors continue to return to the area and keep local businesses flourishing.”
The partnership with Preston is a fantastic example of how towns are proactively taking the initiative to bring their High Street back to life and get them back to their thriving glory. “We’re thrilled to support this ambition for regeneration with the implementation of TikTap, which will enable local retailers to provide compelling, enticing offers with measurable results all via a simple, smartphone app,” said Michael Dougherty from TikTap.
Our TikTap representatives are in Preston and if you would like to pre-book an appointment with one of our representatives please complete a contact us form. 