A newly formed Traders’ Association has been formed at Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre to help develop and expand the centre’s activities.
The new representatives will work with centre management on a range of events. Sandra Williams, Starbucks Store Manager is the newly appointed chairperson, and the 2019/20 Charity of the Year will be Aware NI.
“We have always had an active traders’ association in the centre, but in recent years the level of interest has increased. This year we had our highest numbers yet putting themselves forward to be considered for election and to see our retailers wanting to work towards the good of the entire centre, as a collective is just fantastic,” explained Centre manager, Natalie Jackson.
With over 50 retailers in the centre, ranging from independent traders like Angel Nails to anchor stores including Marks and Spencer and Debenhams, there is a wealth of retail experience that is utilised by the association.
“We held our second annual Business Awards in April, which also saw record entries and attendance, and I believe since then, with the increased networking opportunities there has been a renewed spark in the centre, with staff having an opportunity outside of work to get to know one another,” she added.
Sandra Williams, Starbucks Store Manager and newly appointed chairperson, said there’s a real ‘can do, will do’ attitude.
“We recognise that it’s in part to the hard work and dedication of Natalie and her team,” she said. “However as traders I also recognise we have a part to play in the success of the centre.”
And she said their aim for the coming year will be to work alongside the centre management in promoting Fairhill as the best shopping location in Ballymena, through events and activities aimed at bringing shoppers through the doors, as well as traders working together.
“I have worked in retail for almost 40 years, with some of my colleagues in the association having similar experience. We have witnessed many changes to the retail sector, both good and bad, and are now looking forward to putting our experience to good use,” she added.
The first task carried out by the Traders Association was to appoint the new charity of the year. The 2019/20 Charity of the Year for Fairhill Shopping Centre will be Aware NI, the charity supporting people with depression and bipolar disorder, and one that delivers mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces.
