Member Article

Online high-street scheme piloted in Hereford

A new scheme to turn Britain’s high streets and independent shops into a single on-line retail force is being piloted in Hereford.

OpenHighStreet combines the convenience of doorstep delivery with the quality and choice offered by local retailers, and if successful will be rolled out across the UK.

It will also promote sustainable shopping as it allows consumers to lower their carbon footprint by removing the drive to the shops.

The scheme allows shoppers to browse and purchase via an online version of their local high street as well as interact with each retailer.

It also allows them to make one consolidated payment for all good to be delivered at a convenient time, or for collection from a central point.

For the local retailer or producer, the benefits include access to nationally supported marketplace, backed by regional delivery franchises.

The retailer notifies OpenHighStreet of inventory updates and special offers, fulfils the orders and prepares them for collection.

More than 30 retailers in Herefordshire are interested in participating in the scheme which is being backed by big names such as Unilever, Inzenka, Sequoia, Pi3, Eziserv and the Government’s Technology Strategy Board.

The majority of Herefordshire will be incorporated into the pilot followed by neighbouring counties such as Worcestershire and Shropshire.

Jonathan Bretherton, CEO of Hereford Futures, the group spearheading development in the city, said: “Hereford is about to go through a vigorous period of growth.

“Thanks to partnerships with the likes of Stanhope, it is just about the only UK city that has a new retail development being built in 2012. Visit Herefordshire is also ramping up the annual food festival.

“These initiatives, along with OpenHighStreet and Hereford’s successful discount Truffle card, illustrate how big business and smaller independents can work together to ensure the city’s future prosperity.”

Richard Garnett, a member of the project team and a resident in Herefordshire, said: “This is an innovative and interesting opportunity for retailers and customers to celebrate local business, enjoy local produce and benefit from the convenience and service that most of us expect but seldom experience.
“The team behind this pilot are eager to see the reaction from retailers and customers across the county and comments can be left on the OpenHighStreet site.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .