Town voted one of the best in the UK for top shopping

CAMBORNE is the 11th best town in the country for providing customers with a top shopping experience, according to a national secret shopper programme.

Undercover shoppers visited towns and cities across the country to assess the level of service offered to customers.

Top honours for best shop overall in the program went to RJF Audio Visual. From left: David Clark, Pamela Brown from RJF Audio Visual, Matt Powell and Jo Lake.
Glamour and Glitz were awarded joint second place. From left: Jo Lake, CRS co-ordinator at Cornwall Retail Skills, Tina Waller of Glamour and Glitz, evening facilitator David Clark, Hayley Waller of Glamour and Glitz and Matt Powell, business growth manager at CPR Regeneration.
Cross Street News were acknowledged for achieving the highest score in the customer service category. From left: Jo Lake, Alan Charlesworth of Cross Street News, David Clark, Glynis Charlesworth of Cross Street News and Matt Powell.

Twenty-five retailers in Camborne signed up to the programme, which was the first of its kind in Cornwall. The secret shoppers assessed various aspects of the selected stores, including the manner of staff, presentation of merchandise and the overall feel of the store.

This week the retailers that took part in the programmw were presented with certificates at an awards evening at Camborne Rugby Club. The achievements of the businesses that were placed in the top three were also recognised.

Supported by Camborne Chamber of Commerce, the event was facilitated by business guru and top regional rugby coach, David Clark who said that it was great to be part of an evening that celebrated the success of so many businesses.

"I am delighted to be able to join with so many enthusiastic retailers that were prepared to put themselves forward in an attempt make sure they are offering the best possible service."

Ranking top for all-round customer perception across a range of areas was RJF Audio Visual. Pamela Brown, who collected the certificate, said: "I know I am speaking for all the team when I say it is a great honor to be recognised for delivering excellent customer service. The award will come as a great boost to everyone at the shop and the certificates will be displayed with great pride."

Jo Lake, CRS co-ordinator at Cornwall Retail Skills, said: "The evening went really well and it was a great opportunity for everyone involved with the scheme to be recognised for their commitment to providing excellent all-round service to their customers."

Matt Powell, business growth manager at CPR Regeneration, the urban regeneration company for Camborne, Pool and Redruth, said: "I'm really pleased that so many businesses joined in the evening and were part of a scheme to help promote Camborne in an exciting way which will help to place the town firmly on the map as somewhere to shop."

The Secret Shopper Programme was run by Cornwall Retail Skills, in partnership with CPR Regeneration, the initiative was the first of its kind in Cornwall.