PASSPORTS READY: Shop Local prepares for take off

Taking a trip right here in our region and supporting local businesses has never looked so good, thanks to a special new promotion presented by The Southern Argus.

In September, a Shop Local to Win passport will be available to collect free of charge from any of the 23 participating businesses, before you start receiving discounts across the region.

As well as fantastic exclusive discounts, you could also be in the draw of a $2000 cash prize.

Each time you redeem a deal, get your passport stamped.

Just five stamps will qualify you for an entry into the draw to win $2000.

Director of Advertising, Sales and Marketing, Darren Robinson, said The Argus team is proud to deliver an exciting new shop local initiative by way of the Shop Local Passport. 

“The concept was developed with the view of rewarding customers for shopping local,” he said.

“Customers should feel great for every transaction they make at a local business. 

“They are helping to contribute towards local employment and allows businesses to continue to support the community in return.”

Mr Robinson said the Shop Local Passport is filled with a range of places, from mechanics and agricultural businesses, to hairdressers and hardware, with fantastic offers – all local and “truly unique”. 

“Not only will this product provide you with great savings within the promotional period, we’ve further incentivised it with a $2000 cash prize,” he said.

“It is also important for our team to thank all of the participating businesses for supporting the inaugural campaign. 

“I’d encourage you to pick up a passport and enjoy the many great offers.”

Strathalbyn Mitre 10 Director Brad Fuss was excited to be part of an initiative that supports local businesses.

“It’s a new and exciting opportunity for the community, for the customers and retailers,” he said.

“It does encompass our mantra, which is ‘mighty local, mighty helpful, Mitre 10’.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved with it and we hope it’s a screaming success for everyone.

“Shopping locally puts the money back into the community… it just goes round and round and round.”

The Hive owners Donna Hoffman and Kim Fleming said they, too, “had to” be involved in a campaign which supports local businesses and customers.

Their hairdressing salon – on Strathalbyn’s Catherine Street – employs a team of nine and brings in predominantly local customers.

“We’re all about shopping local… keepings things local is lovely,” Ms Hoffman said.

Shaw Family Wines (Currency Wine Estates) office manager Joanne Perry was also excited to help promote local businesses and products.

“It also gives customers a bit of a challenge to go to new businesses that they haven’t been to, or an incentive to visit businesses that they haven’t visited before,” she said.

Passports will be available from September 1, and you have until October 13 to take the ultimate trip around the region, sampling the finest goods it has to offer and experiencing the best customer service along the way.

You never know, come October 20, you may just pocket that $2000 as a welcome addition to your savings.

For full terms and conditions, list of participating businesses and promotional details, visit: Shop Local to Win $2K