The current situation is uncertain, unprecedented and unquestionably daunting. So, it has never been more important to champion community and togetherness. And it’s important that we work together to help navigate the next few weeks and months.

If we can help share a little bit of positivity, that can only be a good thing. With that in mind here are some #lookonthebrightside highlights from the last few days

THANKYOU

Thank you for joining us in our post COVID-19 Hygiene and Health & Safety seminar. It was pretty jam packed with information about what to expect as the highstreet looks to reopen in the future. Just in case you missed anything, or if you would like to review any of the content covered we have included a link to the whole presentation and the worksheet for you.

We hope you found it insightful and look forward to welcoming you to our next FREE seminar 'Getting Online' which will take place next Thursday 14th May.

THANKYOU

For joining us for today’s Retail & Gift post COVID business seminar. We hope you found it insightful and helpful!

It was pretty jam packed with information and ideas. Probably more than you could absorb in just 40 minutes. So just in case you missed anything, or if you would like to review any of the subjects covered we have included a link to the whole presentation and the worksheet for you.

The COVID-19 crisis has undoubtably been a trying time for many, and an unprecedented situation for the gift retail industry. But we hope that Stephen’s content has given you a clearer view of the path ahead and a few practical and creative ideas for how to strengthen the future of your business.

Our digital marketing team hosted a social media webinar designed to help you make the most of social media for your business. Please click the image above for a link to the presentation. You will need to sign in to Zoom.

It has never been more important to make sure you have an online presence. And, as with all things business, a strategy is vital. This 1 hour webinar teaches you how to plan and execute a more professional and effective social media strategy for your business.

RETAIL & GIFT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF COVID-19 #LOOKINGTOTHEOTHERSIDE

It is tough to think ahead when everything is so uncertain. But one thing that is certain, is that a well-prepared business, with a forward-thinking strategy will bounce back far quicker.

The retail landscape has been changing at a faster rate than ever over the past decade or so, and the COVID-19 pandemic will only speed up this change. One thing is for sure, things will never be the same. And as an industry, we must prepare for this change.

With this in mind our Director, Stephen Illingworth will be hosting a free 1 hour Zoom seminar in association with eventbrite and The Giftware Association. The seminar will be entitled:

RETAIL & GIFT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF COVID-19 #LOOKINGTOTHEOTHERSIDE

Key topics covered will include:

LOOK ON THE BRIGHTSIDE CAMPAIGN

USING SOCIAL MEDIA - THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Lock down has forced retailers to get creative. While online shops may be able to stay open and trading, bricks and mortar stores could easily feel defeated, BUT NO!

We have seen plenty of customers starting to use social media to carry on trading. Here are a few snapshots.

WE ARE RUNNING A FREE SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP TO SHARE ALL THESE IDEAS AND MORE. So if you are new to social, or want to learn about how to use it to help business register now: bit.ly/widsocial

CLAP OUR NHS!

To say a little thank you to our amazing NHS workers here in Oldham, WIDDOP has sent 2,200 rejuvenating repair hand lotions to our local front line workers.

Their hands are working harder than ever to help keep our community safe and to look after the sick and vulnerable, so we thought it was the least we could do!

Our Sales Director Andrew even loaded up the car himself. And he made sure everything was safely sanitised before he sent them off.

We hope they bring a little brightness! bit.ly/widdopnhs

RETAILERS FIND NOVEL WAYS TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA

While many bricks and mortar shops have been forced to close due to COVID-19, many have taken to social media to stay connected with their community.

It would be easy to simply batten down the hatches and remain locked up entirely during this time, but it is truly inspiring to see retailers using social media to remain relevant and connected.

Asking customers to send in selfies, offering virtual shop tours with free community delivery, hosting Q&A sessions and giving live updates on Facebook Live are just some of the ways people are keeping in touch with their community while in isolation.

If you would like some help or advise on how you can use social media during this time, we are running a free Social Media Workshop later in April.

Register your interest in attending here.

Take a look at a couple of our brilliant customers!

BIRA LAUNCHES CORONAVIRUS HUB TO HELP RETAILERS

The British Independent Retailers Association has released an advice centre to help retailers navigate the COVID-19 crisis.

The hub includes information on:

• How and where to access Government support
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans
• Details of local authority support
• Employer and employee guidance, including info on sick pay allowance
• The latest on Government ‘relaxed’ trading legislation

There are also wellbeing guides and inspirational stories of how BIRA members are adapting to cope with the situation.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira's CEO, says: 'Everyone at Bira has been working hard to ensure that our members and the wider retail community receive the support they need at this time.

'Our focus has been to provide accurate guidance based on information we have received for the various government departments. The dedicated hub on our website will updated on a regular basis.'

To visit Bira's Coronavirus hub click HERE