A DIGITAL guru from Largs says local businesses can benefit from the coronavirus pandemic - if they are bold and creative.

Gary Ennis, who runs NSDesign in the town, has pointed to several Largs businesses who are taking advantage of the internet and social media and says other local shops need to embrace this now.

He said: “They say that the internet is killing retail, whereas I’ve always been an advocate of the two complementing each other.

“With people forced to move to digital, some local businesses have done more innovative things, and may be doing more trade right now because they are shut or partially open.

“There is now no longer a case of should I embrace digital, and the ones who still say no will probably not come out the other end.”

Gary has pointed to three local businesses who have utilised social media and the internet to stay connected with their customers.

He says that Room has made it easy for potential customers to understand what services are being provided.

He said: “If you visit Room’s website right now, there is nothing there other than one clear message. Nothing else matters right now so what’s the point in having an all singing all dancing website.

“They’ve scaled it right back, it’s straight to the point, it’s simple and it clearly lays out what the business can do right now, rather than wasting people’s time.”

The digital consultant was also complimentary of the emphasis that Geraldo's is putting on online sales.

He said: “They were always doing good business through their e-commerce website; they’re just taking advantage of all the communication platforms.

“Now is the time to be on it, now is the time to be sitting glued to that phone, right now if you want business you need to be all over it.

“They’re championing their customers and engaging with customers."

Gary pointed to Haylie Convenience Store as proof that anyone can adapt to survive.

He said: “They’re hardly synonymous with the internet, but they’re using the tool brilliantly to meet supply and demand.

“They understand how customers behave during lockdown and are doing some clever innovative things.”

Gary believes that advertising is vital to attract new customers.

He said: “There are still some local businesses who think they don’t need to, but if people don't know about you, you don't exist.

“There’s no excuse for a business owner to claim it doesn’t matter and to not at least do the basics.”

Gary says that shops in Largs High Street must work together to help protect the area from the threat of the giants of online shopping.

He said: “One of the things we have always had the potential for is to champion each other, if local businesses see each other as competitors we are all challenged.

“If one person comes down the High Street, they might visit other shops.

“It’s strength in numbers, everyone reminding our customer base to shop local and raising awareness of other people.”