'Try Widnes' new marketing campaign is launched as M&S comes to town (From Runcorn and Widnes World)
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'Try Widnes' new marketing campaign is launched as M&S comes to town
10:10am Wednesday 17th March 2010 in
A NEW marketing campaign is being launched as the £25 million Widnes Shopping Park opens tomorrow, creating up to 750 new jobs.
Marks and Spencer, British Home Stores, The Outfit, Next, River Island, Boots and Costa Coffee have moved into the Gerrard Street development.
‘Try Widnes’ aims to promote the town as thousands of shoppers are expected to visit for the first time.
Clr Rob Polhill, board member for tourism and regeneration, said: “We want to brand Widnes as a place to shop.
“We’re thrilled that Marks and Spencer and other High Street retailers have come here.
“It’s a golden opportunity for the rest of the town to capitalise on the excitement big stores generate.
“We’re not just promoting our shops and markets, but also want to encourage people to visit our wonderful Victoria Park, only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.”
Free bags, flags and badges sporting the new ‘Try Widnes’ rugby ball-shaped logo, will be handed out as musicians and singers entertain shoppers.
St Bede’s RC Junior School pupils have been rehearsing street dancing with artist Laura Newman for 10 weeks to celebrate Widnes becoming a regional shopping destination.
The Samba band from SS Peter and Paul RC School, a funk orchestra from Riverside College and The Brindley’s community choir will be performing.
A street market of stallholders from Widnes and Runcorn markets will be held from April 1 to 3.
Clr Polhill said: “Widnes will look and feel different. We want people from outside to see the town in a different light and come back again.”
A new website, trywidnes.com has been set up to promote the town to a wider audience.
Comments(2)
wangchung
says...
12:03am Thu 18 Mar 10
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New Town says...
6:50pm Wed 17 Mar 10
They have built a wonderful shopping park in Widnes, with a Next & M&S etc; about 10 minutes drive from the one in speke & 15 minutes away from the Warrington ones.
They also plan on a Cinema, bowling facility & Ice skating ring.
Nothing in Runcorn except a rundown Old Town, white elephant out dated shopping precinct (although we do have a theatre & cinema).
But to put the icing on the cake, they plan on a new crossing over the Mersey with tolls on both bridges!
So people of Runcorn are taxed by just trying to use the new facilities in Widnes (which they are now marketing as a separate Town to Runcorn). Will the tolls divide Halton? Will they ever get rid of the "Shopping City" and give the Old Town the investment put into Widnes?
Just what is the plan for the future of retail & leisure in Runcorn?