Shop local – your buck stops here

Latrobe City gift card set to bolster local business

Shopping local and reinvigorating the Latrobe City economy is the aim of a new gift card initiative rolling out across the region.

The Latrobe City Gift Card program is designed to keep money in our community and bolster local spending following the economic hardship imposed on traders by COVID-19.

Council is encouraging store-owners to sign on as vendors at no cost and for the community to back local business by buying a gift card for someone this festive season.

The EFTPOS cards operate on a closed loop system and can only be spent in participating local stores, meaning all money spent is injected back into the Latrobe City catchment.

Latrobe City Council Chief Executive Steve Piasente said the message was to “look no further” than local when shopping and fuel the flow of foot traffic at physical stores following a turbulent year for trade.

“We know businesses have been doing it tough for an extended period of time as Victoria grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Piasente said.

“As restrictions ease in our regional city we’re encouraging people to shop local and contribute to a strong and prosperous local economy.

“Buying a Latrobe City gift card is supporting local business, local families and local jobs.”

Gift cards can be purchased at select stores and redeemed at any participating business from 23 November.

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