Food Trail Brings Custom To The Door

“Independent stores often get overlooked, so the trail is a great way to get us noticed and hopefully steal some trade back from the multiples,” said Mindy Cawap, manager of The Hollies Farm Shop in Cheshire.

The scavenger hunt is designed to take people to some of the area’s best delis, farm shops and wine merchants.

“It’s a real shop window for all the amazing local food the area has to offer,” said Laura Evans, project manager of the Taste Cheshire Food Trails.

People wanting to follow the trail can pick up a free map and guide, available from tourist offices and various businesses highlighted on the route.

“It will encourage locals and visitors alike to pay more attention to our great little retailers,” said Mrs Evans.

The concept was originally set up in May, but the new festive edition seeks to boost sales further in the run-up to Christmas.

“Trade has definitely picked up since the scheme was launched. Tourists love the idea of a treasure hunt, and once they’re in the store they never leave empty handed,” said Carole Faulkner, owner of The Cheese Shop in Chester.

“Christmas is our busiest period anyway, so I expect the new launch to do great things for business,” she added.

It’s early days, but retailers are confident that increased exposure will lead to a boost in sales.

“It’s difficult to gauge how much trade has improved as a direct result of the scheme. Times are still tough, but anything that raises our profile is a positive thing,” said Tom Scargill, owner of Corks Out wine shop in Chester.

“Even if trail followers don’t make it into the shop, just being included increases the chance of greater sales. The publication gets our name out there and draws people to our website,” he added.
For more information visit www.christmasincheshire.com