From Helensburgh to Windang… We Shop the ‘Gong!
“If we could change Wollongong residents spending habits by just 10 percent – by shifting just 10 percent of what we spend elsewhere and online by buying - we would see an extra$250 million enter our local economy. This in turn would support...
Wollongong City Council media release: Wednesday 15 December 2021
It’s no secret that local small businesses have taken a real hit during the COVID-19 lockdown. This is worrying as small businesses make up the backbone of the Wollongong economy.
Wollongong is home to around 14,000 businesses, 98 percent of which are small businesses which employ 20 people or less.
This year, the 2021 lockdown had a substantial impact on small businesses in Wollongong and as a result a big impact on our residents. Between July to September, the total local spend in the Wollongong Local Government Area fell by over 30 percent^ compared to the same period in the previous year. It's no small sum!
The good news is that there’s a really simple solution that can help small businesses and in turn support our community’s recovery - Shop the ‘Gong!
“What we know is that over the last 12 months, online spending and spending outside of the region by Wollongong residents, totalled $2.5 billion,” Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.
“If we could change Wollongong residents spending habits by just 10 percent – by shifting just 10 percent of what we spend elsewhere and online by buying - we would see an extra$250 million enter our local economy. This in turn would support 3,200 new local jobs#.
“Now that lockdown has ended and small businesses are open, we’re encouraging our community to think about their own shopping habits and consider how they can support their local small businesses.
“We really do have everything on offer right here in our city and it’s never been more convenient to eat, drink, play and shop in one easy location. There is a real change underway in our city and a growing number of local businesses innovating for the future, offering new products and services, and plating-up world-class food and drink. I’d encourage everyone to check out what’s in their local backyard.’’
Over the coming weeks, Council will begin to roll-out different initiatives to support local businesses and encourage residents to Shop the Gong!
Things you can do to help a business:
- ‘Near Me’ – add ‘near me’ to your search terms to see local businesses, first. Or turn on your location so you always see local search results first.
- Head to your High Street – try a visit to your local main street or shopping centre, before heading out of the area.
- ‘Ask a Friend’ – looking for a specific product or service? Ask a friend on socials for their recommendations.
- ‘Share the love’ – Found a great small business or unique product or service?
- Tell a friend – or share your purchase on your own socials
- Like and share their posts on socials
- Leave a great review!
Get involved if you’re a business:
If you're a local business owner, we know you have felt the impacts of the pandemic this year. Now is the time to get involved!
It's easy. Visit Council's website for a range of tools you need to get the word out.
The We Shop the Gong campaign is an initiative of Wollongong City Council.
*Go Local First data.
^ Spendmapp data, 2021.
# Sourced from Economy ID, 2021.
