CALL FOR RETAILERS TO 'TRADE ON TRADITION AND REPUTATION'

Retailers in Newtownards should continue to trade on their tradition and reputation, according to Ards Borough Council.

The call came after local toy retailer, Stewart Miller, scooped two major industry awards, beating stiff competition from national brands, and at a time when a television company is looking for modern-day shopkeepers to take a step back in time and run their businesses as they would have been in Victorian Britain.

Councillor Angus Carson, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee, stressed that many Ards-based businesses were ideally placed to put themselves forward to take part in the TV series which will see shopkeepers go back to the 1870s and then trade their way authentically through 100 years of history:

"Newtownards has always been a thriving market town with a strong reputation for quality, long-established independent retailers. Stewart Miller's recent success, against national names from Disney to Argos, is proof that this area is continuing to meet the needs of contemporary shoppers, even in tough economic times," he said. "It's a happy coincidence that the makers of programmes such as 'Who do you think you are?#39; and 'Edwardian Country House' are also looking for traders to take part in this new living history series. I would encourage retailers in the town to seriously look at the opportunity to put their skills, which have often been built up over generations, and their reputation for good customer service onto the national stage by applying to participate".

Talking about his recent awards, Stephen Miller, Managing Director of Stewart Miller, highlighted the importance of being a familiar local trading name, while adapting to present market conditions:

"Despite the current economic climate Stewart Miller has had a very successful year and we have invested in refurbishing two of our stores - Abbey Centre and Newtownards. We have a very loyal customer base and often parents who remember the excitement of coming to Stewart Millers as a child now bring their children to our stores to buy their toys. It is these customers who have helped us grow and win awards such as these."

Anyone who would like further information on the opportunity to participate in the television series should contact Michael Fraser, Wall To Wall, on 020 7241 9349 or e mail michael.fraser@walltowall.co.uk.