Take a virtual tour of Westbury businesses

TWO businesses are the first in the Westbury area to allow customers to take an online tour around their premises via Google Maps.

The Hollies Inn in Westbury Leigh and NotJustBrides in Westbury town centre now allow a 360º virtual tour of their businesses powered by Street View technology.

Charlie Dale-Staples from The Hollies Inn said, “We are the first public house in Westbury to have this done and believe it can only be of benefit to our customers whether new or returning.

“Potential customers can now have a look around before they visit and even choose where they want to sit. It is also a chance for everyone to see the refurbishments made to our premises last June.”

This was made possible by Andy Fletcher, from Dilton Marsh, who was selected and trained by Google to create the 360-degree interactive virtual tours as well as sets of “feature” still photos of businesses. These are then featured on the businesses Google+ Local page (previously Google Places), next to their Google search results and within Google Maps.

Wedding shop NotJustBrides opened on 18th March at 1b Fore Street, Westbury. Justine Curtis manager at NotJustBrides said, “We think it is a great idea for people to be able to take a virtual tour as the environment of the shop really matters and it’s the interior that creates that environment. This is especially important because we refurbished extensively when we took over this shop and potential customers can now see that, as well as what we sell.”

The Laverton in Warminster Road, Westbury, will also allow a 360º virtual tour on Google Maps when this launches later this month.

Marketing and development officer at The Laverton, Lilly Bale said, “I think it is important for people in Westbury to know what The Laverton looks like inside as it is an important heritage building, but many only see the outside. They will soon be able to step inside without leaving their homes.”