A new shop local initiative has been enthusiastically taken up by business operators and retailers across the length and breadth of the Great Lakes, and beyond
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Why Leave Town promotion encourages locals and visitors to shop locally by purchasing an EFTPOS gift shopping card which can be redeemed at more than 100 business across the Mid Coast region from Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest to Harrington, from Taree to Barrington and everywhere in between.
And, the number of business and retailers which are taking advantage of the card is growing daily.
MidCoast Council economic development co-ordinator, Robyn Brennan talks about the ease of the card that connects small businesses across the region to customers who live locally or are visiting.
"Imagine a gift card that works at the coffee shop, the butcher, the beautician and the book store," Ms Brennan said.
"People can buy one card to give as a gift that has many possibilities.
"I can buy it for my family and friends and they can take it to buy clothing one day, homewares the next and go out to a restaurant when they like - things they really want instead of guessing."
During the launch month of September, every card purchased will go into a draw for a share in a $1000 or one of 10 $100 #ShopMidCoast gift cards which can be used across the region
The Why Leave Town Gift card has the benefit of no other gift card; it can be used at multiple venues multiple times until the money runs out and has a three year expiry.
"Imagine a gift card that works at the coffee shop, the butcher, the beautician and the book store.
- Robyn Brennan
Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber has been working closely with MidCoast Council and described the initiative exciting.
More than 50 local business operators across Forster Tuncurry and surrounds have signed up in the last two weeks alone, which is a terrific response, president, Megan Lewis said.
Ms Lewis said the take-up rate gave shoppers more options on where they could use their cards.
Every dollar spent through the card goes into the till of a locally owned business, Ms Lewis said.
"It's not just about the money it's about working together and supporting each other as a local community.
"Overwhelmingly, our local economy is driven by independently owned businesses from tradies to retail shops to professional services to hospitality.
"So next time you're stumped and don't know what to get someone or you're asked by a relative from out of town what to buy for the kids or you want to say thank you to someone, think #shopmidcoast."
Great Lakes Mowers & Chainsaws, Tuncurry owner operator, Linden Jackson planned to hand out the cards instead of offering a discount, and as an incentive.
"I think if we show support for our local businesses, customers will do the same, Mr Jackson said.
Forty Winks Forster manager, Kim Caldwell said the decision to take advantage of the card was a no-brainer.
"It will not cost me anything, it will add to my business, and it is local," she said.
"Get on board and support local - go for it."
The card also gave local businesses, which were affected by drought, bushfires and COVID19, an ideal method to share money with fellow operators, Ms Brennan said.
"Businesses across the MidCoast are embracing new ways to do business, and we believe this opportunity will support a more sustainable small business sector.
"We have over 100 businesses involved already with more showing interest in signing up.
"We're also in contact with a number of businesses and organisations who are interested in using the gift cards as VIP rewards and gifts."
To purchase the cards, which are available at 20 local stores throughout the Mid Coast region, go to the Why Leave Town Mid Coast page.
Cards purchased online can be posted direct to you or the recipient if they're a gift, ready to #ShopMidCoast.
MidCoast Council is also supplying small businesses involved with social media support and advice on how to best advertise their involvement.
If you are a small business wanting to get involved please visit whyleavetown.com/register or contact the economic development team.
Online, just search the hashtags #ShopMidCoast #whyleavetown and #barringtoncoast to find supporting businesses in the area who are on board.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.
While you're with us:
