City to host retail masterclass for small businesses

Small independent retailers in the Capital are being offered the chance to improve their retail skills at two complimentary workshops being run by Harvey Nichols, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and the Federation of Small Businesses.

The workshops are taking place on 21 and 29 October, and will be run by experienced Harvey Nichols staff who will look at window dressing, merchandising and making the most of social media in order to boost footfall, sales and profit margins.

Places are limited to 24 across both sessions and businesses will be recruited through the Federation of Small Businesses, Business Gateway and the Business Improvement Districts.

Councillor Frank Ross, Convenor of the Economy Committee at the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

“This is a brilliant opportunity for small independent retailers to gain new skills and to be able to apply these during the run-up to Christmas – a critical trading period for many.  I’m very pleased that this is part of the Council’s support for building stronger town centres across the city as successful small independent businesses are the lifeblood of our town centres and central to their success.”

Gordon Drummond, director of Harvey Nichols flagship Edinburgh store, said:

“A strong, vibrant small business sector is a vital part of a mix which encourages people to visit and shop.  As a major retailer with a long-term commitment to developing the city’s economy, I’m very happy that we can play a part in helping to support smaller businesses.”

Gordon Henderson, Senior Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“We are very grateful to Harvey Nichols for their support for this initiative aimed at the city’s small retailers. This initiative will help them improve how they showcase their unique offerings to local consumers. When we asked Harvey Nichols for help they said yes immediately and hopefully other big businesses will be encouraged to follow suit and play their part in growing the local economy.”

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