Gift card connects cash with community
Published on 31 August 2020
Why leave town when you can shop locally and go into a draw, with $2,000 up for grabs to spend and support local businesses on the MidCoast?
MidCoast Council is launching the #shopmidcoast initiative that helps small businesses from Hawks Nest to Harrington, from Taree to Barrington and everywhere in between. The ‘Why Leave Town’ promotion encourages locals and visitors to shop locally by purchasing an Eftpos gift card that can be used at over 100 businesses in the region.
Every card purchased during the launch month of September goes into the draw to win one of 10 #shopmidcoast gift cards worth $100 each, plus a major draw for a $1000 card that can be used across the region.
MidCoast Council’s Economic Development Coordinator, Robyn Brennan talks about the ease of one 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. 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.”
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. This makes it a great way to share the money amongst local businesses who have been affected by the drought, bush fires and COVID19.
“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,” said Robyn.
The cards can be purchased at 20 local stores throughout the MidCoast region, go to whyleavetown.com/midcoast 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 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 Council’s Economic Development team.
Online, just search the hashtags #shopmidcoast #whyleavetown and #barringtoncoast to find supporting businesses in the area who are on board.
This initiative is proudly 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 MidCoast.