Speaking up: Hayden Spurling and John Sisley will work together on retail issues.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
CITY traders now have two voices after the establishment of Geelong Retail Network.
The network has joined long-standing Geelong Regional Traders to lobby on behalf of retailers facing challenges ranging from economic downturn to on-line competition.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce set up the network after founding the regional traders association in the 1980s.
Inaugural network chair John Sisley said retail in Geelong needed a stronger voice.
“We aim to look at the issues facing retailers and there are quite a few,” the New Vision Eyewear proprietor said.
“The network will advocate for retail, find out what it really wants and how we can help them.
“Retail is under pressure from the downturn in the economy, internet retailing and people deciding to save instead of spend.”
Retailing in central Geelong would be a focus of the network.
“Central Geelong is going through a transition but I wouldn’t put the old girl down yet – there’s still life in her,” Mr Sisley said.
“There are still retail benefits in working out of the central area as long as all stakeholders work together for a fair go for everyone.”
Mr Sisley said Geelong Regional Traders spokesperson Hayden Spurling had been “a great supporter of retail in Geelong”.
“Hayden is knowledgeable and a great asset representing retailers but he’s not backed up by an organisation like the chamber.
“But we felt it was time retail received a wider voice because the chamber represents more than 600 members.
“The face of retail is changing and we have to work out where retail is going in the next 10 or 20 years.”
Mr Spurling, who runs Ryrie St’s Squire Shoppe, said he still had a close association with the chamber as a former director.
“We’ll still provide a voice to express concerns to various levels of government on issues affecting retailers regionally.
“The chamber is becoming stronger in its representations, as it should, because it has a variety of retail members.
“I anticipate we will cooperate and work together.”
