Middlesborough-based independent, Hilliers Jewellers, have launched a new incentive to encourage customers to visit their store and to also help local customers in a bid to help the struggling high street.

Middlesborough council recently raised their parking charges at the Zetland site and scrapped free parking in other town centre car parks. Owner, Adam Hillier, noted a drop in trade almost straightaway due to the car parking situation.

He commented to local publication, Teesside Live: “The high street is on its knees, now we hear that Debenhams is closing stores. I complained when the council increased their all day fees at the Zetland from £1.60 to £2 – don’t get me wrong, it’s still pretty good, but we saw a negative effect straightaway.

I know it costs money to run the carparks – but that’s no good if there isn’t a town centre. Places like Teesside Park and the Metro Centre don’t charge because they want to encourage people to shop there. Something needs to be done to help the High Street and this is the best solution I can think of – we also want to give something back to our customers.”

So to encourage customers to his store, Adam has come up with the incentive to reimburse their car parking fees of £3 if they spend a minimum of £5 in his store and show proof of parking. He hopes other independents in the area will get on board with the incentive too.

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