Huntly Hails Fiver Fest Success

By Experience Huntly on 25/06/2021

Huntly based businesses have hailed the recent Fiver Fest campaign a success as it draws to a close this weekend.

The national initiative, established by Totally Locally, invited independent businesses to promote £5 offers over a two-week duration to encourage shoppers to spend locally.

The campaign has been well supported by the local business community, with 23 independent businesses taking part since it launched on 12 June.  Participants have commended Fiver Fest for increasing footfall in the town centre and highlighting the importance of supporting small businesses by spending locally.

Laura Gardner, owner of The Larder on Gordon Street, commented, “We have found Fiver Fest to be very busy, it’s been really good.  Both existing and new customers have visited the shop to take advantage of the deals we have offered, with many shoppers buying other items during their visit too.  It has been a real success for us.”

Owner of Elegant Nails & Beauty, Elizabeth Barlow, added, “It has been a great experience taking part in this year’s Fiver Fest, we have welcomed an extra 28 customers into the salon over the past two weeks who have taken advantage of our offers.  It was a fantastic last-minute decision for us to take part and we can’t thank Experience Huntly for the nudge to do it, along with the social media coverage, and of course thanks to all our customers for supporting local, it truly means a lot to a local small business.”

The local effort has been coordinated by Vivien Rae, marketing manager for Experience Huntly, who has also recently launched the Experience Huntly website and app for the town.

Ms Rae said, “Some local businesses have taken part in Fiver Fest before, but this year there was a co-ordinated effort to increase the uptake and bring businesses together to really showcase what Huntly has to offer.  To get 23 businesses in the town signed up and taking part has been fantastic, and the feedback has been really positive.  The launch of the Experience Huntly website and app during Fiver Fest has also really helped to put the spotlight on Huntly and all there is on offer in the town.”

Helen Kings, Treasurer of the Huntly Business Association, also welcomed the response to Fiver Fest from businesses and shoppers, commenting, “Encouraging people to visit and spend in the town centre is important at all times, but particularly following the challenges and hardships which are evident as a result of Covid-19 implications.  We really want to continue to support our business community and will maximise the success of Fiver Fest, as well as actively seek to take part in other shop local initiatives this year.”

Sights are now set on engaging with the Scotland Loves Local campaign, alongside efforts driven by Aberdeenshire Council and Visit Aberdeenshire, to continue to promote local shopping and tourism appeal in and around Huntly.

The Experience Huntly app is available to download for free from the Google Play and Apple stores and provides a comprehensive directory of information for Huntly and the surrounding area as well as local news, deals and events.