Why Local Spending Matters
Imagine if everyone in Barossa, Gawler, Light, and Adelaide Plains spent just $10 more each week at local businesses. With approximately 76,693 residents, that would add $766,930 each week—nearly $40 million annually—into our local economy. The impact grows because of the “local multiplier effect”: for every dollar spent locally, up to $1.80 stays circulating within the community, supporting local businesses and services.
Events like the 2025 AFL Gather Round and Festival of Footy bring visitors to our region, but we can’t let these opportunities pass us by. It’s up to us to make sure that every dollar spent stays within the community, strengthening our local economy for the long term.
Totally Locally is a community-driven campaign created by Chris Sands. It provides tools and resources for local businesses to promote the importance of shopping locally. The campaign has been used successfully in towns across Australia and internationally, helping communities boost their local economies by millions of dollars. By using Totally Locally tools, or creating our own, businesses in our region can work together to drive local spending and strengthen the community.
Actionable steps to grow your local economy
1. Show Customers How They’re Supporting the Community
Help customers see that every dollar they spend with you supports a network of local suppliers and services.
How to do it:
- Identify all the local businesses you rely on, from the café where you buy your team’s coffee to the printer, repair shop, or nearby trades you use.
- Count these connections and display a sign like, “When you shop here, you support 15 other local businesses.”
- Place it where customers can easily see it, like at the entrance or checkout.
This simple connection helps customers see the larger impact of their spending, reinforcing that their choice matters to the community.
2. Display “Shop Local” Posters Tailored to Your Business
Totally Locally’s free toolkit offers poster templates with messages that encourage local spending, designed to make this easy for businesses to use.
How to do it:
- Download a poster that says, “Every dollar spent here keeps $1.80 circulating in our local economy,” or make one that reflects your unique local connections.
- Add specific examples, like where you source coffee, produce, or other local items.
- Share this message both in-store and online, especially around community events like Gather Round.
With these relatable, personalized messages, customers feel more connected to the value of shopping locally.
3. Set Up a “Local Favourites” Board to Recommend Nearby Businesses
Help customers discover other great local businesses in the area by recommending your favourites.
How to do it:
- Select a few businesses that complement yours, like a deli recommending a nearby bakery or florist.
- Create a “Local Favourites” board listing each business, location, and a brief description.
- Mention these recommendations to customers directly, especially visitors who may be new to the area.
This referral system builds loyalty across businesses, encouraging customers to explore other local spots.
4. Start a “Disloyalty Card” Program with Neighbouring Businesses
Instead of a traditional loyalty card that encourages repeat purchases at a single business, a Disloyalty Card encourages customers to explore multiple local shops and services, offering a reward for spreading their spending across various businesses.
How to do it:
- Partner with 4-5 local businesses to create a stamp card. Each visit to a participating business earns a stamp for a minimum spend (like $10).
- Offer a reward upon card completion, such as a free coffee or small discount, funded by a shared business kitty.
- Set a short timeframe for the program, like two months, to keep customers excited and engaged.
This approach drives customers to try out more local businesses, fostering community connections and boosting overall sales.
5. Offer a $10 Special During Gather Round and Other Events
Attract both locals and visitors with an accessible $10 special during major events.
How to do it:
- Offer a $10 item or combo, like a coffee and pastry or a mini bundle.
- Promote it with in-store signage and on social media, using event hashtags like #GatherRound and #ShopLocalBGLAP.
This affordable option makes it easy for people to support local businesses.
6. Connect with Local Business Groups
Access important resources, networks, and collaborative opportunities that help you grow within the community.
Key groups:
- Local Alliances: Groups like Adelaide Plains Business Group, Barossa Australia, Gawler Business Development Group, Kapunda Business Alliance, Mount Pleasant Progress Association, and Southern Barossa Business Alliance offer specific resources, support, and advocacy for local businesses.
These alliances strengthen your business’s visibility and success within the community, fostering a supportive local network.
Let’s Make Every Dollar Count
Each dollar spent locally multiplies within our community, supporting jobs, services, and economic growth. Using your own creativity, you can help drive growth from within, showing locals and visitors alike that every dollar makes a difference in our region.
This is in our hands—by supporting each other, we can drive real change and make a lasting impact on our local economy. We can’t let the opportunities that Gather Round and other events provide pass us by. It’s up to us to make it happen.
