With 20 years in retail management, Rosemary has relocated every 18 months of her adult live, working for a variety of high-street brand names from home furnishings to fashion and entertainment. Approached to join the Borders team 2 years ago, she hasn’t looked back! Rosemary joins the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board with a wealth of experience and knowledge that she hopes will benefit her town centre counterparts.

Not a stranger to Bournemouth, Rosemary lived here 7years ago – so we asked her what has changed for you in that time?
The revitalising of Commercial Road has made a big difference; the M&S eco-store compliments the good mix of high street, independents and key department stores. But importantly we have maintained a friendly and safe shopping environment; it’s fantastic the natural beauty of the gardens is so close to a retail offer, which is really distinctive.

What are you bringing to the BTMB?
“As Chairman on the Town Centre Management Board, the BTMB has given me the opportunity to be more influential and useful within my sector, to share what I’ve encountered in 20years - to be part of the bigger team. We all have a common goal and that is to make Bournemouth the best destination in the UK.

What are the goals and plans you want to achieve whilst on the BTMB?
“Importantly it’s the retail sector taking more of an active role in what goes on in Bournemouth, to get retailers to see what we can do together - ‘you can’t push a piece of string but you can pull it!’ The plan is to develop late night openings using this summer as an example; we’ll all be open the same two nights for two months which will demonstrate that with consistency there will be customer demand. Ultimately we want to encourage and establish one late night a week throughout the year, but the next concerted effort is for Christmas.

What are your plans for Borders?
“Borders is about reaching out to the community; we have led the way in our trading hours, naturally providing a meeting place for people, particularly with Starbucks adding another dimension to the Borders service. Taking the community aim, we are setting up a ‘stitch and bitch’ for people to have a good old gossip and crochet and plan to develop the Children’s reading section with an event a day by June. We want to get everyone involved with Borders, it’s not just a book it’s an experience!

What are you doing to support the More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival?
“Key retailer meetings have been addressed and we want to ensure the Town Centre is not bypassed. We’re working on offers and discounts so people can continue to enjoy the festival atmosphere! Borders will be doing lots in-store to reflect the theme - it’s going to be fantastic!

What are your greatest personal and professional achievements?
“My greatest achievement has to be working in the same industry for 20years, having had an amazing array of opportunities and career development in a cutting edge industry that I am still excited about! Personally it has to be living somewhere for more than 18 months and finally putting down roots - it’s great to be back, to get the work/life balance right you can’t do better than Bournemouth!

Retailers with any questions or ideas for the Town Centre or August’s Air Festival email Rosemary at rclasson@bordersstores.com