By MATT NICHOLLS
THE man tasked with revitalising Armidale’s CBD says the future of the mall and the city’s business sector is far from bleak.
John Kauter is the CBD coordinator for Locals 4 Locals and said businesses should seek to learn off one another in a bid to stay relevant in what is now a global market.
“I think there are some really good news stories in the Armidale business sector and most of those are doing well because they are doing something different,” he said.
“The basis for the future is no doubt involvement online and most businesses could have an online presence in some form.”
Mr Kauter pointed to the success of Jacksons Quality Meats, which earlier closed its Beardy Street shopfront to focus more on the online side of its business.
“The meat industry has been doing it tough for many years, but Greg Jackson has developed a strong online presence,” he said.
“It’s a really good website, they are providing free delivery in town and offering weekly specials.
“His traffic around Christmas is as good as its been.”
Mr Kauter said the butcher still maintained a presence on O’Dell Street in Armidale and used the website to complement sales.
“There are other businesses doing similar things with success,” he said.
“Not all retailers can do the same thing, but there’s an opportunity for some to think outside of the square.”
Mr Kauter said he would bring more events to the mall next year and time them with other attractions in the city.
“Last year the Access All Areas idea by council worked really well when Day on the Green came to town,” he said.
“There are two graduations a year at the University of New England and they bring thousands of people here.
“Armidale is a sporting venue and we can capitalise on that traffic in the CBD.”
The former UNE marketing co-ordinator said he would also try and negatiate a roster system with some of the cafes around the CBD in order to offer longer opening hours on weekends.
“Armidale is a nice place with a bit of culture and we need to have some coffee shops open when people come to town,” he said.
“The decision by council to install free wi-fi is a great idea which has worked elsewhere and is particularly beneficial for a place like the mall.”
