Retail push for tourism

Retail is a key part to the Barossa’s tourism mix, according to Regional Tourism Manager, Ms Cathy Wills.

Working with the Tourism Barossa board, they are leading a group to facilitate a retail network with events planned in coming months.

“Tourism Barossa board has seen the need to help develop the Barossa as a retail destination to add to the numerous other reasons for people to travel here,” said Cathy.

Working on material gathered at a retailer’s forum in early May, Cathy said they are keen to work closely with retailers and town groups to get a Barossa Retail Network off the ground.

It’s designed to offer a place for retailers to ask questions and talk retail as they connect and communicate further.

Next month Dr Svetlana Bogomolova, consumer behaviour and marketing researcher with University SA, will facilitate a forum around understanding consumer insights.

A preparing for Christmas forum is scheduled for September and will be delivered by The Co-op CEO, Mr Graeme Longmuir and marketing manager, Ms Amber Rushton.

“Co-op staff will share practical ideas and steps for retailers to prepare for Christmas,” said Cathy.

“This will be followed by a facilitated discussion about action that local retailers and the region can undertake to position the Barossa as a pre-Christmas destination for shoppers.”

Cathy is excited by the opportunities this initiative brings as day trips to the Barossa continue to increase with 629,000 recorded each year.

“The Visitor Information Centre and staff at cellar doors echo that visitors often ask what more is there to do in the Barossa,” said Cathy.

“They love the experience with food and wine but if they are here for a couple of days they do want more.”

Tanunda retailer, Ms Bridget Laucke who owns and operates Alabaster, has joined the sub committee and is excited about what it brings to the region which now has a “significant retail offer across all towns in the Barossa”.

For the full story see this week’s edition of The Leader.