Service with a smile

Stallholders in the Market Hall, fearing fierce competition from the huge retail complex, hired customer care specialists to teach them how to make shoppers more welcome.

Business consultants gave seminars to traders including sweet sellers, cafe waitresses, fruit and veg men and clothes retailers.

Role-playing stressed the importance of presentation, body language and keeping the customers happy.

Organisers hope the move will mean custom stays in Bolton when the Trafford Centre opens later this year.

And now town business developers are pledging to help others in the fight against the Dumplington complex which will be packed with High Street giants.

Tie Rack manageress Jenny Wilson, who helped organise the Market Hall master class, said: "We'll do anything we can to make sure Bolton wins this battle.

"It's about being one step ahead and giving customers a perfect service so they'll come back again."

About 100 stallholders and staff gave up their time to attend night classes after Government funding was secured through local enterprise agency Bolton Business Ventures.

Many of the larger multiples in the town centre already have their own in-house training schemes.

Business expert Alan Stopford, managing director of Strategic Consultancy, held two hour sessions in Cappuccinos Cafe for those not involved with the in-house programmes.

And Jenny, who helped set up the seminars after attending similar courses for Tie Rack, said his advice proved extremely useful.

"Lots of people wanted to get involved because there is a real fear of what Dumplington will do to us," she said. "It's amazing how many little tips you can pick up.

"No one wants to go back to a shop where they don't feel welcome so we hope this will be a step in the right direction to make sure our great town remains a great shopping centre as well."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.