Streatham village, formerly known as ‘the dip’ is now very much on the rise!
At a time where high streets are facing their biggest challenges, InStreatham is working hard to prove that even the smallest changes can make all the difference. Here we meet the businesses taking ownership of their high street survival.
Working closely with six business owners along the old Bedford Row, Our business development guru, Wendy Jackson of Scope for More, has helped them to view their premises through the eye of potential new customers. This pilot project focused on businesses at the St. Leonard’s junction and how we could better showcase this gateway to Streatham.
Visiting the businesses monthly over the course of six months, Wendy assisted owners in creating a more welcoming shopping environment and maximising their sales in our changing neighbourhood.
Read about each business’ progress and what changes you can expect to see in the coming months.
Athlete king
Goal: to attract local Gym users by displaying more products in the shop window.
As Mike already has a smart shopfront, discussions centered around the aspirations and plans for the business and Mike agreed to restock his shop. Mike has already taken steps to build relationships in the muscle fitness arena and plans to contact well-known bodybuilders to take part in events at Athlete King.
He now has more products on show including clothing, protein powders and an increased range of bodybuilding goods!
Streatham Accommodation Bureau
Goal: to attract more customers through Social Media and improving the exterior.
With SAB established over 40 years ago, Martyna was clear that working on their marketing was a priority. They have now repainted the business and with new signage, due imminently a total shop front refurbishment will be complete. With a USP of being a “Family Focussed” lettings agent growing their social platforms is the plan for 2020.
La Fresca
Goal: to declutter shop front and make clear their offering.
Noureddine at La Fresca plans to relaunch his restaurant accentuating their handcrafted Italian pizzas. He has since removed a rotisserie machine from the front of the shop and is now redecorating a children’s play area at the back of his restaurant which customers can also hire for parties and relaxed gatherings.
He also agreed to monitor Google reviews and has now opened a social media account. Wendy helped him in upcycling some vintage chairs and suggested planting basil and other fresh herbs in the front space to lighten up the entrance to his cosy place.
Manna Christian Centre
Goal: attract more customers by reaching out to churches and improving the impression of your shop.
Dave, the owner, was receptive to new ideas about the presentation of the shop window and has reached out to more churches.
They have now repainted the entire double shop front and have dressed up the upper room with new curtains, some inspirational wall transfers and extra bean bags to make it a more inviting space that people can hire for community groups and church meetings. They also have some fabulous gifts alongside the books and a very inviting children’s area so make sure to pay them a visit.
Dilpasand
Goal: to obscure the wires that can be seen from outside the restaurant.
A new addition to the parade, the restaurant is in good condition. Faruk agreed to place a banner over the area of the shop window to obscure wiring and the side of the fridge. They’re now hoping to get Google 360 footage of the eatery and aiming for a 5* hygiene score rating.
Mediterranean Bakery
Goal: to refresh the shop so that you attract more customers and brighten up the area.
Kazim agreed to work on the interior of the premises and improved the presentation of his cakes display.
He will replace two large refrigerated display units for one small one so it doesn’t look empty, he’s discarding an old bread rack and stripping away old wall paper to be painted in a fresh neutral colour.
The bakery will then get a new awning and signage with a brand new name! The Worshipful Company of Bakers have also kindly donated £200 towards the Mediterranean Bakery visual improvements.
Watch out for Rose’s Cakes in the Village very soon. (Refurbishment still in progress)
Once all shop improvements are complete, we plan to fundraise for a place identity painting above the retail units to welcome people to Streatham. Traders reported that they found the 121 contact helpful and hope to participate in our seasonal events and festivals. Wendy confirms: “The traders recognised the importance of preparing their businesses to benefit from community events organised by InStreatham and the importance of maintaining their premises to an acceptable standard in the future.”
