Some retailers in Docklands tell me their customers actively look for them

Spreading the word about the ‘Docklander Deals’ loyalty program brings me into contact with many retailers throughout Docklands and I get to see and hear plenty.

It is no secret that the many Docklands retailers are relying on foot traffic to come through their doors. In many cases, they are looking to the sky for the great wheel to bring them that traffic.

But wait, there may be other ways. Some retailers in Docklands tell me their customers actively look for them. Customers come from far away places to visit Docklands because these businesses are here. Brand loyalty in action.

Libby Moore at the the LEGO Education Centre runs school holiday programs, birthday parties and excursions for school students. These are proving very popular.  Customers come from all over to find them. This has to be great news for Docklands.

Gwendoline, the owner of Just Lashes, says her customers look for her salons that are nearest to them. They make appointments and come. If the nearest outlet is fully booked they will go to the next nearest available salon. Just Lashes reports good business in its Harbour Esplanade location through this customer brand loyalty. Another example of good news for Docklands.

I am hearing more exciting news. Right now the owners at Wonderland Fun Park are putting up a proposal for a Docklands
Town People Mover to the City of Melbourne to consider.  They own a trackless train and carriage and they want to operate a tourist train, much like one in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

This idea is reported elsewhere in this edition of Docklands News and is great news for Docklands as it has the potential to transport people between Victoria Harbour, Batman Hill, Central Pier, NewQuay, Waterfront City and Harbour Town. Speak to Colin or Melissa at the Fun Park if you want to add your support to this great idea.

If you are in the vicinity of ANZ Wharf near Victoria Harbour or Yarra’s Edge on a Thursday or Friday between 12.30pm and 3pm, you could jump on a river taxi now being operated by the businesses in the area.

The taxi will ferry you between ANZ Wharf and the World Trade Centre Wharf. This is an experiment at the moment and if it proves to be a popular mode of transport, this could increase the scale of the operation. Give it a go!

NewQuay Promenade has some great restaurants offering some great lunch-time deals. Watch out for Bobby Valentine performing live at the Lounge – go down to NewQuay Promenade and see what is happening. Get to know Docklands!

Watch out for more great news in the Docklands News – the good news stories are here.

Bill Reid