A pair of independent traders in Diss were one step ahead when they foresaw the challenges roadworks in the Heritage Triangle might bring and set up a Facebook page.
Owner of Ninny's Cave, Catherine Anderson, and fellow trader and owner of Gluten-Free Foodstore, Kirsty Howard, were concerned their takings might be affected while the council worked to improve the Heritage Triangle.
The two women had seen how traders in other places had used Facebook pages and twitter feeds to inform their customers so three months ago they launched their Facebook page, 'Shopping in Diss'.
The page aims to promote and celebrate the town of Diss and provides a list of independent traders, services and special offers for local residents and tourists.
Since then 'Shopping in Diss' has reached 6,392 people with 700 likes, and just in this last week has had 1,173 Facebook users engaging with its posts.
Catherine Anderson said;
'We update the page daily with independent retailers' promotions and services. I have had people come into the shop and say,' I saw your shop on 'Shopping in Diss', I didn't know you were here.
'The Facebook page and the promotions and events also means we are now working in the community.'
'It shows that we are real people, not just shop owners on the hill. We are just the same as everybody else,' added shop owner Kirsty Howard.
The entrepreneurial pair have also run competitions where customers had to guess which trader was wearing the funniest hat, or which baby photo belonged to which retailer. Winners received a £20 voucher to spend in the shops.
Currently the team are organising a charity Midnight Sponsored Walk to take place locally on Saturday July 22 where traders and members of the public can take part to raise money for Alzheimer's.
'It will be a three-mile walk so everybody can join in including those with medical conditions,' said Catherine Anderson, 'We have had 100 enquiries so far and council leader Graham Minshull has volunteered to be one of the marshalls. We are now planning the route and awaiting the fundraising packs.'
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