Retailers promote shopping locally
AS part of a movement to bring more vibrancy and vitality to Oamaru’s central business district, 46 local businesses have joined forces to launch a campaign to reengage shoppers.
‘‘Shoptober’’ is a key element of the Oamaru Business Collective’s wider plan to get consumers considering buying from businesses in Oamaru first, before going online — or taking a trip to nearby cities.
It is being launched on October 3, and all 46 businesses — located from Torridge to Wansbeck Sts — will open for late night shopping until 8 o’clock and many will host instore specials, activities and events to celebrate.
‘‘What I love about it is it’s not just Thames St — it runs from Whitestone Cheese, down Ribble St, down Thames St, into Tees, Tyne and Harbour St to Scotts Brewery,’’ organiser Annabel Berry said.
‘‘It’s for everyone. We’re not just focused on one area, it’s for the whole town.’’
Mrs Berry, who is the creative director of Design Federation and founder of the Oamaru Business Collective, is encouraging families to come to town, park up and spend time visiting several shops on October 3.
‘‘I really want people to come and try local again,’’ she said.
‘‘That’s the aim, on [October 3] in particular, to get people to walk the streets, try all the businesses.
‘‘Walk in, engage with the business owners, see what they do.
‘‘The more knowledge the locals have about our businesses, the more they can tell other people, as well.’’
While the Shoptober initiative focused on consumers, the concept had also engaged the wider business community.
Adore Spa owner Fiona Pearson said there had been a real lift in energy and enthusiasm since local businesses started working together.
‘‘I just think it’s the perfect time to bring everyone together,’’ she said.
‘‘As a business owner, sometimes you can feel a little bit isolated . . . so I think it’s just wonderful.’’
The Oamaru Business Collective was formed after a community meeting in July about the challenges of retail in Oamaru, and concerns about the growing number of empty retail and office spaces in the town’s main street. It now has more than 100 members, including landlords and representatives from retail and hospitality.
Shoptober is the first of several upcoming Oamaru Business Collective initiatives before Christmas.