Armagh city centre retailers were urged to think about creating an “experience” for shoppers in a time when online trade and a “cost of doing business crisis” is affecting the high street.
That was one of the messages delivered at a the Armagh City Centre Management’s (CCM) most recent Open Forum for business owners this week.
It was an excellent turnout at The Market Place Theatre, with some 30 – 40 in attendance. One business owner even commented to say it was a “record” turnout as far as City Centre Management meetings go.
Four tables in the auditorium were filled with business owners and company representatives who all attended to find out what the year holds for the high street from Council officials and retail experts.
Introducing the meeting was CCM Chairperson, Art O’Hagan, who explained the running order for the event before introducing the meeting’s first key speaker, Councillor Tim McClelland, Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee.
Cllr McClelland explained to business owners that in the first instance Council are “committed to economic growth as one of their top priorities”.
He was also keen to announce the council’s new ABC gift card scheme – which we be available and spendable borough wide – as a means to “lock in” local spending and boost footfall.
The gift cards, he explained, will be available in both physical and digital format and are “designed to suit all ages and spending habits”.
While the Councillor was enthusiastic about the scheme, a number of business owners discussing the scheme after the meeting mentioned that they would have preferred the card to be more localised to ensure cards purchased in Armagh – for example – were spent in Armagh.
There were also concerns raised that the cards would be accepted in shopping centres housing chain stores and multinationals – rather than with independent retailers. However, others were more optimistic agreeing that it would be “worth trying”.
In a final word regarding the scheme the Cllr urged any businesses who wish to partake to sign up as soon as possible. The scheme will be made live on June 30.
In regards to the council’s latest Artisan Touring Markets, the Cllr explained that there is “certainly evidence to say these markets work”.
Remarking on the Dromore Artisan Market, the Cllr explained there may have been in the region of 500-600 visitors on a “typical day of rain and sunshine” and he remains hopeful that the Armagh Artisan Market will prove just as successful.
At this juncture, the Neighbourhood Policing team for Armagh provided a crime and safety update for the area. The attending constable explained that reports of shoplifting had seen an increase year to date but that there are plans in place to provide Safe Shop Training to teach staff how to handle shop lifting and “gain best evidence”.
Following this Environmental Services Manager, Michael Baker provided an Environmental Services Update.
Left to right: Cllr Tim McClelland, CCM Chairperson Art O’Hagan and Retail NI CEO, Glyn Robert
Michael provided an overview of ongoing operations in the city including the deployment of a City Centre Warden who is responsible for “litter picking and street cleansing” alongside over 200 staff and 90 vehicles to provide services Monday to Sunday.
Michael explained that there is a “substantial” amount of fly-tipping to contend with but that Council are working actively to combat this.
In relation to the Council’s recent installation of a six person “Blitz Team”, Michael explained that it is “quite new and we are still learning” but attested that they have learned a great deal from this cycle and will continue to develop their approach.
In terms of developments, Michael explained that there has been a procurement effort to assess the need and benefits of adding “hot water power washing” equipment to their repertoire to speed up and improve public realm cleansing.
Next to speak was Gill Robb from ABC Council with a Tourism Update.
Gill discussed a lengthy and comprehensive programme of events that is currently in line for right up to St Patrick’s Day 2026.
Perhaps most excitingly, Gill announced that a grant had been secured from Tourism NI for the development and “expansion” of Georgian Day.
As part of the funding conditions there will be a “larger” programme of events on the Friday and Sunday of Georgian weekend with an earlier start on the Saturday – in response to public feedback.
Armagh I have sought additional information on this from Council and will publish further details in due course.
Summer in the City will also shortly be kicking off, announced Gill, with music on Market Street’s bandstand, street entertainment and children’s activities across the city centre every Saturday – all free of charge.
In regards to Armagh Food and Cider Festival, Gill explained that tickets are already “flying out” and that there has been a “big interest” from both traders and the public in terms of involvement in the festival.
Finally, CEO of Retail NI Glyn Robert spoke to provide a “comparison” of where we are [Armagh] compared to other towns and cities.
Glyn explained that online shopping and the “cost of doing business crisis” are the two biggest factors affecting business on the high street.
The retail expert cast no doubt on the fact that it is a particularly challenging climate for independent business owners but he argued for a shift in mentality – to focus on “solutions” rather than problems.
Using Ballymoney and Newtownards as prime examples, Glyn advised business owners that they need to create an “experience” for shoppers on the high street.
“Family, friendly and fun” experiences, Glyn said, are the “secret sauce” to protecting independent businesses and to ensuring we find the next generation of retailers and entrepreneurs.
After a word from Lauren Toal at CCM regarding the success of recent business workshops, business owners and representatives in attendance were then spilt into two groups to take part in a brief discussion centred on what makes Armagh an attractive shopping destination and how business and Council can work together more effectively to improve the shopping experience.
