Young People Help Shape a More Youth-Friendly High Street
Dunstable Town Council through our Town Centre Management Service is always striving to make Dunstable Town Centre a welcoming hub which values all visitors. Working collaboratively with colleagues in our Detached Youth Team part of our Youth Provision Service, the idea of a young person’s mystery shopper awards came about. We love celebrating the great shops and businesses we have in Dunstable and this time we made the young people the judges.
Young people have been out and about visiting local shops, cafes, and restaurants – but not just for the food. The project was to help build better relationships between businesses and young people, encouraging fairness, respect, and community. From chicken shops and milkshake spots to popular high-street stores, young people have been checking out different places and voting on what matters most to them: price, quality, customer service, and overall youth-friendliness.
Armed with clipboards, smartphones, and their honest opinions, these young mystery shoppers have been tasting food, asking questions, and sharing their views.
Three business scored highly in each category amongst the young people and were presented with a Youth-Friendly Business certificate:
Category winner- milkshakes: Bennett’s Café & Community Hub
Category winner – chicken and chip shop: Ace chicken
Category winner – corner store: Prestige
Overall winner: Bennett’s Café & Community Hub
Well done to the winners, your efforts really stood out to our young mystery shoppers.
All winners and businesses visited by young people received a Youth-Friendly Business sticker to display proudly on their premises – so be sure to look out for it next time you’re in town.
Remember by shopping local, you’re not only getting great service but, you’re also helping support local businesses in the town centre.
