A report released last year by retail consultants in England stated, on average across the UK, 2/3 of townsfolk believe their high street shops no longer meet their shopping needs. Is it therefore any wonder Paisley’s town centre needs an increase in footfall?

So how do we encourage buddies to use Paisley town centre more? We asked questions, and the main problem continually raised suggested we didn't realise what shops Paisley had, or where to find them. To be fair, we thought we knew Paisley well, but while walking the streets recording shops and businesses, we were amazed, not just with the sheer number, but the huge variety of shops present as well.

‘This is Paisley’ is a free e-magazine, available to view or download through the Paisley2020.org website. It’s purpose is to raise awareness of what Paisley has to offer, to encourage people to consider Paisley as a viable shopping alternative, and to promote local businesses. We also wanted to highlight the attractions the town had to offer, so shoppers or visitors might linger a little longer, and enjoy further our great town.

Please spread the word. The magazine is free, the content is free, but the results could be priceless. Every extra pound spent in our town centre helps secure jobs, keep businesses afloat, and maintains Paisley as an important, local economic centre. With Tesco Wallneuk on the horizon, it’s important we all rally around our high street NOW.

“Research in the UK has shown that the large multiple retailers actually suck money out of a local area as their supply chains are predominantly national, and their presence tends to weaken local supply chain linkages that serve local retailers. An analysis of supply chain spending patterns found that approximately 90% of spending from supermarkets and chain stores leaks out of the local economy almost immediately.”

Independent shops are the life and blood of Paisley’s town centre, and this is where we will focus next. Evidence shows that for every £10 spent in an independent shop £25 is generated for the local economy compared to £14 spent in multinationals.

In the meantime, we hope you find ‘This is Paisley’ interesting, and better still, useful. The magazine can been viewed or downloaded by clicking on the above images. As you can see other topics will be released shortly.

If you have any feedback or suggestions, or have a business you would like to feature, please contact us at paisley2020@yahoo.co.uk. We are here to help you, and to help Paisley.

Scott Manson

Paisley2020.org