CHESTER Renaissance, Chester City Management and Visit Chester & Cheshire joined forces to help boost the city’s retail economy.

In recent months more than 100 Chester City centre retailers were part of a mystery shop and were assessed on a number of criteria designed by Chester City Management which is part of Chester Renaissance.

The mystery shopping exercise was conducted by StoreCheckers of Altrincham and everything from shop appearance, helpfulness of staff, local knowledge and the over-all shopping experience was scrutinised.

Twelve retailers scored a fabulous 100% mark in all areas and received well deserved recognition and an excellence award at an award ceremony held at the Blossoms Hotel in the city centre.

A further six stores were highly commended after receiving a mark of more than 95%.

Chester City Management Co-coordinator, Stephen Wundke, said: “Each year the standard achieved by Chester shops keeps on getting better and we are hugely proud of all the retailers who each have improved from last year.

“Our thanks go out to those who have received an excellence award for 100%, this is a wonderful way for Chester to show to everyone just how much commitment and time our stores take to ensure residents and visitors get the very best shopping experience.”

Chester Renaissance chief executive Rita Waters said: “I am proud of our city and its retailers and the way in which partnership working with Visit Chester & Cheshire and Cheshire West and Chester Council, as well as our retailers, is helping to bring success to the city’s retail sector.”

Visit Chester & Cheshire’s chief executive Chris Brown added: “We have to set our ambition high – to be the best. Our role is to grow the number of visitors coming to Chester.

“Everyone working in its retail sector is an ambassador.”