Supporting Retailers within our City

"These are very difficult times for retailers. The Chamber is working closely with retailers in Derry to protect and expand the retail sector in the city. This month the Chamber is organising and hosting a workshop that will support retailers and statutory bodies to brand the city as a retail destination; that will bring in retail experts to advise on in-store layout, design and retail atmospherics; and will help retailers to grasp the opportunities of online retailing. While retailers face tough times, when they work together, with the Chamber and with statutory bodies, we can do much to help retailers survive and then to thrive.

"The Chamber also believes it is absolutely essential that statutory bodies and businesses work together to improve the city's environment to attract more shoppers and visitors to the city centre. Our retail, leisure and tourism offering are all closely connected. We have to make the city centre attractive for all three types of visitor.

"Central to achieving that is having the right strategy, the right investment and the right retailers to meet contemporary consumer demand. The Chamber supports Ilex and Derry City Council in their efforts to put together the best strategy possible and to attract the investment that will expand Derry as a retailing and tourism destination.

"Derry has marvellous opportunities ahead. City of Culture has the potential to transform Derry's fortunes not just for one year, but permanently. We must ensure that we build on this opportunity to protect Derry as the major retailing and tourism destination of the North West."

Sinead McLaughlin

Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce