Local businesses are not just a source of daily essentials – they’re also a place of connection. A café where good friends catch up. A butcher who can teach you the perfect way to cook a roast. A florist who can help you brighten someone’s day.

Local businesses aren’t run on algorithms or stockholders. Just friendly people who care about what they do. They are the heart and soul of our community, but they are hurting right now. So what can we do to support them?

Order in

With social distancing restrictions still in place, local venues will need our help over the coming months to make back some losses. This is your official calling to keep your Ugg boots on and order your favourite dishes in! See what’s on offer through a food delivery app, or just give the venue a good old-fashioned call.

Find a new food source

Need to pick up something for dinner? Can you stop at the local shops on the way home? Is there a butcher you can support? Or fishmonger you've never tried? Maybe a chicken shop you can visit? You never know what new meal you'll be inspired to try just by going somewhere new.

Buy a gift card

Throw a lifeline to your favourite business by purchasing a gift card. This will provide them with the cashflow they so desperately need, while giving you a little treat to look forward to in the near future.

Treat your loved ones

Got a birthday coming up? Impress your loved one with a gift from a local business. When you shop local, you’re likely to get a more unique product, and your loved one will feel extra special.

Join our Facebook Group

Customers: meet your new favourite business. Businesses: meet your new favourite customer. We know it’s a trying time for many businesses, so we created a Facebook Group to bring businesses and residents of Randwick City together. Check out some deals, give a business a great recommendation or promote your own services. Just type Shop local: connecting customers and businesses in Randwick City into the Facebook search bar or click here.

Spark joy in your home

After spending so much time at home, you might have an urge to spruce things up. Before you head to a department store, see what’s on offer in your neighbourhood. Randwick City boasts a wide variety of homeware stores, with shop attendants who have an eye for design. Take some pictures of your home with you so that they know what they’re working with.

Influence

You might know that your favourite café makes the best smashed avo, but what about the rest of us? Shout it out! Share a photo on Instagram and tag the cafe. Tell a stranger on the street. While it may seem small, your opinion can matter a lot to those around you. Unleash the social media influencer within you.