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Why is this theme important to small towns? |
As small towns seek to develop new roles for themselves, particularly as tourism and business locations, identity is a key marketing and promotional component of the town strategy (see ‘Tourism’ and ‘Marketing and Promotion’ components).
Many small towns have changed roles, perhaps from a ‘market town’ to a ‘commuter town’ or, with the decline of traditional manufacturing and the decline of the agricultural sector, have found new roles (see ‘Jobs and Employment’ and ‘Transport and Infrastucture’ components).
A number of towns have established themselves as Themed Towns and have established a new identity for themselves based on local interests, skills or traditions, such as ‘book’ or ‘food’ towns (see ‘Case Studies’)
The increasing standardisation of many town centres through the introduction of national chains as opposed to independent, local retailers and the growth of mass-housing suppliers (see ‘Town Centre Management’ and ‘Housing’ components) has led to a rekindling of interest in confirming an individual identity for towns.
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