More responses were returned by those aged 65 and over than by any other group, and the group of people aged 18-34 were under-represented. Most respondents lived in Reepham, but a significant number were received from those who live outside the town and in particular from those who live elsewhere but work in Reepham.
 
It should be noted that this data was collected before the Dial House opened and also before the Original Cottage Company expanded into Bank House.
 
The survey produced some interesting figures. When asked how long they spend in the town when shopping in Reepham, 87.5% replied that they stay less than an hour per visit, with the majority “between 10 minutes and an hour”. Only 1.3% of the respondents spent more than two hours at a time shopping in the town.
 
Wednesday is the most popular shopping day, with Friday and Saturday close behind. Sunday is the only day where there is a significant drop in shopper numbers.
 
The survey also produced some useful data about parking in Reepham. More than 70% reported that parking can be a problem, and of those, around 10% said it is “difficult to park”.
 
Parking was also the factor most frequently selected as the one thing that discouraged respondents from shopping in Reepham. However, a significant percentage – more than 20% – said parking in Reepham is easy.
 
Some recurring themes about why respondents like shopping in Reepham include friendliness, convenience and a wish to support local traders; while parking appeared most frequently in the responses about what people disliked.
 
The final question on the survey asked what could be done to make shopping in Reepham more attractive. Better parking was a recurrent theme, along with improved variety in the products on offer. The addition of a bakery and a fishmonger appeared on several responses and many would like to see a larger supermarket in the town.
 
Overall, the data shows real support for Reepham’s shops, from which its traders can take heart. However, nearly half of respondents reported that they shop for groceries online at least some of the time, and this trend is likely to continue.
 
The Chamber of Commerce is planning an open meeting in February where a more detailed analysis of the data will be presented. Details in the February edition of Reepham Life.
 
The Chamber expressed its thanks to everyone who completed a survey form, adding: “The data collected is invaluable for everyone involved in planning for Reepham’s continued success as a unique and special place to shop.”
 
See our earlier news stories:

• Chamber of Commerce announces shopping survey prize winners
• Shopping survey – don’t miss your chance to share your views
• Shopping in Reepham: your views wanted