Consumer survey provides interesting insights

Better customer service and opening on Saturday and Sunday are among suggestions to improve Gore’s business and hospitality sector, according to a recent consumer survey.

The Gore District consumer survey was developed to help the Gore District Council and businesses understand changing consumer needs, values and aspirations following the lockdown.

The survey attracted 142 respondents from across the District.

Community Strategy Committee chairman Cr Richard McPhail, who is leading the Council’s post COVID-19 business resilience response, said the survey provided a valuable insight into what people wanted from Gore’s shopping, dining and commercial centre experiences.

“Respondents were open and especially forthcoming with ideas about where they saw our shopping, and food and beverage offer should develop in order to earn a greater share of spending and goodwill,” he said.

A frequent theme in the feedback was that future changes in Gore's shopping offer will likely see some gaps occur in ranges.

“People want to be able to do more of their shopping locally and have been keen for Gore businesses to look at ways to fill these needs.”

Retail First director Chris Wilkinson said a unique aspect of the survey was the contrast in numbers of people coming into Gore to visit shops or service businesses, compared to those going to cafes or hospitality businesses.

Of those who responded, 94% visit at least once a week, but only 58% come to Gore for hospitality experiences.

“Typically, hospitality destinations have equal attraction to retail and service requirements. The survey demonstrates there’s opportunity for further, collective improvement in Gore’s cafe and dining offer,” he said.

With renewed focus on supporting local businesses, Gore’s commercial community is anxious to ensure it is adapting to support local consumers’ needs and capture a greater share of spending.

Survey Results [PDF, 110 KB]