The lockdown has lifted, retailers and businesses have re-opened and Christmas is on the horizon.
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What better time is there to show support for our local business operators by shopping and endorsing local.
Even better still, shop local using our very own #ShopMidCoast gift card.
"The program launched in September 2020 with 100 businesses participating across the Mid Coast, and a year on, we've grown to nearly 300 Mid Coast business partners," MidCoast Council economic growth co-ordinator, Robyn Brennan said.
"Almost 1800 individual cards have been sold, with over $121,000 loaded on the cards," Ms Brennan said.
"The direct impact of a stimulus of $121,000 is estimated at $218,000 for the Mid Coast economy."
Mid Coast businesses can participate in the program, by loading and selling the cards, and by accepting them as payment in their business.
"We've expanded and diversified the Greenhouse business focus recently and accept the #shopmidcoast cards across all our businesses now," Greenhouse Cafe, Nabiac owner, Sharon Batesman said.
"Participating in the program is free and easy and it provides our customers with a way to shop local and support small businesses," she said.
"The success of the gift card program is in the diversity of business types that participate - from café and homeware stores like the Greenhouse Collective, through to mechanics and hairdressers.
Participating in the program is free and easy and it provides our customers with a way to shop local and support small businesses.
- Greenhouse Cafe, Nabiac owner, Sharon Batesman
"Customers have so much choice and they love it."
"After one year of operating, we know that customers typically redeem their cards in the store in which they were purchased, and they're spending more than the card's value," Ms Brennan said.
The gift cards are very adaptable.
Any business can participate - cards can be redeemed in any business, anywhere in the Mid Coast.
Just like an EFTPOS card, shoppers can spend their gift card across different stores, until the value of the card is used up.
Go to shopmidcoast.com.au for a full list of stores where you can buy and use the card or to purchase gift cards online.
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 support and advice to small businesses involved with #shopmidcoast on how to best advertise their involvement.
If you are a small business wanting to get involved please visit whyleavetown.com/register or contact Mid Coast Council economic development team.
Online, just search the hashtags #shopmidcoast #whyleavetown and #barringtoncoast to find supporting businesses in the area which are on board.
This initiative is funded by the NSW Government in association with MidCoast Council, and encourages locals to shop locally, boosting local businesses and keeping jobs here on the Mid Coast.
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