An independent electrical retailer has been taking the opportunity to engage with the community at a popular annual local festival.
The Wimborne Minster Folk Festival has been held in the Dorset market town for over 30 years, with 2018’s iteration taking place over the weekend of June 8, 9 and 10.
IER Award-winning retailer Dacombes of Wimborne has been involved with the event for the past five years, and has seen the benefits of getting the business’ name out into the local community.
Dacombes of Wimborne managing director Matt Renaut commented: “We don’t expect to be making loads of sales all day, but it plants the seed. We get people coming back in November and December saying, ‘We saw you at the festival, and we’ve come back to buy a TV.’
“In the years before we got involved, we used to see hundreds of people walking past the door of the shop. Those are all potential customers, so it seems silly not to try and have a conversation and let them know we’re here.”
This year saw Dacombes sponsor one of the four stages in use during the festival as well as having two gazebos, one with a penalty shootout competition to win football shirts ahead of the World Cup and the other featuring a TV lounge with soundbars, supported by Samsung and highlighting some of the current promotions from the brand.
“Last year there were about 25,000 people who attended,” Matt noted. “It was very busy this weekend, so it might have been even more this year. We just want people to take away the name Dacombes of Wimborne. If the name sticks even with a thousand people, I’m happy with that.
“It’s always good fun, and the staff absolutely love getting out and talking to people. We’ve been in the town since 1920, so we’re not just a shop that sells TVs and white goods; we’re part of the community.”
