A Perth man determined to relieve pressure on local shop owners has created an app to help take the high street online.
Iain Fenwick says he owes everything he has in life to the formerly bustling shopping hub of Perth High Street.
With a lineage of shop owners extending back to the 1950s when his grandmother first opened school clothing shop Punch & Judy on George Street, it is no surprise that Iain is such a strong advocate for shopping local.
It led him to set up social media group and website Perthshire Local in March 2021 with the intention of promoting deals and offers from businesses.
This has grown to have more than 20,000 followers, but Iain was still not satisfied.
Now he has launched a new app designed to promote the Fair City’s best and brightest attractions.
Perthshire Local a one-stop shop for firms
The app highlights everything from special offers and information to menus at Perth eateries. It also directs users to the businesses’ websites.
The launch comes after several Perth businesses closed their doors last year due to the energy crisis and cost of living pressures impacting trade.
“The high street was suffering,” said Iain.
“It was obvious to me during lockdown that there needed to be a commitment from the local community to support and purchase from local businesses.
“Very quickly we realised that a website wasn’t going to work but an app would.
“A friend of mine is a software developer, and he created what we needed.
“What we are offering is an alternative to Just Eat or Etsy, whilst giving the opportunity to retain money within the region to be reinvested into the community.”
150 Perth companies using app
In just two years Perthshire Local has garnered an impressive roster of community businesses, banding together to ensure the survival of the high street whilst embracing the benefits of modern technology.
With 150 businesses on board Perthshire Local aims to provide a one-stop-shop for their users allowing them to peruse shop catalogues or menus, book or order and browse everything that the local area has to offer.
Iain said: “We are aiming to be the vehicle that connects local communities to their local businesses because not everyone is aware of what is on offer due to that lack of available information.
“The response so far has been fantastic, its touching and humbling. I knew how much there was in Perth but what was frustrating me is that they didn’t have a voice.
“We want people to stay in the high street, shop and experience what Perth has to offer.”
The Perthshire Local app is available for free download from both Apple and Android app stores with information available on its website.
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