The Spring Shop Local campaign is designed to support our local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to buy from South Gippsland businesses where possible. By working together, we can highlight the value, quality, and unique offerings of our local area. This guide outlines simple steps your business can take to get involved and how to make the most of campaign materials.
Goals of the Campaign
- Increase spending across local businesses in South Gippsland.
- Encourage community pride and local connections.
- Raise awareness of South Gippsland’s diverse businesses.
- Support economic resilience in our region.
Campaign Merchandise
Merchandise not only promotes shopping locally but also helps customers feel connected to the community.
Here are some ideas about how you can use the Shop Local merchandise:
- Window decals – Apply to shopfront windows to show you’re part of the campaign.
- Stickers – Use on product packaging, takeaway bags and cups.
- Coasters (see picture) – Ideal for placing on tables at cafes, bars and breweries or handing out when drinks are purchsed to spark conversation.
Let Customers Know Why It Matters
People are more likely to support your business when they understand how their choices make a difference.
- Share quick facts: e.g. “Every $100 spent locally returns up to $68 to the community.”
- Put up signage or posters explaining the benefits of shopping local.
- Thank your customers for choosing local — it builds loyalty and pride.
Promote your business using the online resources
Download the ready-made tiles from the campaign toolkit and use the #ShopLocalSouthGippsland in your posts.
This helps create a unified, searchable thread of all participating businesses, and increases the visibility of your posts.
Post Ideas:
- Feature local products, services, or stories behind your business.
- Share customer photos (with permission) of the campaign merchandise in use.
- Highlight other local businesses you love – cross-promotion helps everyone!
- Show behind-the-scenes moments that reinforce your local identity.
To download resources from the digital campaign toolkit, click the link below.
