WHEN you’re opening a new wine bar in Brisbane Street, what you really need is an eyecatching storefront. Especially when your aim is to create the nicest place in Ipswich.
That’s the aim of Roger Garreau. He’s a construction bod who finds “doer-uppers” and renovates them into dream homes. But when he came to Ipswich, he was captivated by how attractive the CBD is and he was struck with a vision of how it could be.
“I see the Brisbane St–Nicholas St area as similar to West End in Brisbane. It’s not recognisable now from how it used to be. It had a bad name and now it’s one of the most attractive areas in Brisbane,” said Mr Garreau.
Now, says Mr Garreau, people who want a more classy night out will tend to drift into Brisbane. But he wants to get them to stay here in Ipswich. To do that, he wants his new joint to “feel like Europe”.
Mr Garreau is hoping to get some help from the council and he’s put his development forward for inclusion in the Made You Look program.
It’s a new pilot program the council is launching in Ipswich Central centred around embracing and boosting the visual merchandising of businesses. With so many places shoppers can go, it’s important to entice them to stop, stay and spend.
Shoppers are savvy and seek an immersive experience and research shows bricks-and-mortar stores have three seconds to attract and engage a customer.
Councillor Marnie Doyle said these dynamics had led to council partnering with Shopology to offer the Made You Look: How To Create Visual Impact program.
“This program is about providing support to our small businesses by enhancing their shop window and product display skills to attract more customers, improve sales and increase economic activity,” Cr Doyle said.
“Shopology’s retail expert Dr Louise Grimmer will conduct an online store audit and a one-hour physical store review, giving recommendations to participating businesses including on how to improve their brand awareness, maximise the efficiency of their floorspace and create a positive experience.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said the pilot program would help Ipswich Central continue to emerge as a vibrant and culturally rich city centre.
“Ipswich Central is the cultural hub and beating heart of our city and council is working to continually improve and revitalise the precinct for the benefit of the whole community,” Cr Fechner said.
Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce CEO Kit Philp said it was a great initiative that would help reinvigorate local businesses.
“Targeted programs such as Made You Look are really beneficial for businesses as a personalised analysis and recommendations are made,” Ms Philp said.
“This will help Ipswich Central offer a range of services and experiences for residents and tourists alike.”
