‘fake’ Deli Used To Revive Ailing Town

West Dunbartonshire Council is piloting a new window treatment whereby upmarket business facades – called ‘shopjackets’ – are placed over empty shops to create the impression that they are still occupied and thriving.

In Dumbarton’s case that means a shop unit which has never been occupied has become a bustling butchers, while a former photo shop is now home to the town’s very own local deli. This innovative approach has previously been used with success in the North and West of England, with Whitley Bay seeing a 50% reduction in vacant shopfronts as a result.

“It is no secret that high street shops are struggling in the current financial climate, and across the UK it is estimated that around 13% of stores are vacant,” says Jim McAloon, head of regeneration and economic development at the Council.

“Boarded-up shop fronts or vacant stores can have an erosive effect on the high street, bringing down the appearance of the area for existing businesses and turning shoppers away.”

In total the project has cost £20,000 with the money coming from the Scottish Government via the town centre regeneration fund. “These glossy shopjackets really improve the look of Dumbarton’s High Street and show potential new businesses what would be possible if they gave it a go,” says Jim McElhill, the Council’s spokesperson for regeneration.

“I am also delighted to hear that the one-to-one support and advice sessions run by the Shopjacket team are already fully booked, which means that potential and existing businesses will be given some great pointers in how to grow their business and maximise income,” he adds.