Happy shoppers, happier businesses on Buy Local Day

Shopping tours, food tastings, personal styling sessions and much more - the Sunshine Coast community experienced it all on Saturday, June 28 for the annual local shopping event, Buy Local Day.

Sunshine Coast residents embraced the day to explore all corners of the region to support our local independent businesses. The business community put on a show as they welcomed shoppers into stores for the big day.

Nambour turns into a weekender

Nambour embraced the initiative by expanding the initiative over two days for the Nambour Buy Local Weekender. On Saturday, businesses lined Queen Street with clothes, food, art and activities. One store, LDL Boutique, even leveraging Buy Local Day for their official shop launch. On Sunday, music and thrift lovers descended on Bad Habit Records and the Old Ambo for a day of live music and markets.

LDL Boutique owner Suzanne King said trading was up and the vibe was electric.

“I'd like to thank the Council for the support in promotion – combining my opening with Buy Local Day was a huge success for my business,“ Mrs King said

“Trading was up and the vibe was electric with customers very excited and grateful to have something happening in their community and home town.

“Our community wants and needs more of this kind of vibe – bringing small businesses together to buy local was a success and something that should be continued for all to experience”

Local flavours in the spotlight

Local food and beverage producers were showcased in White’s IGA stores across the Sunshine Coast.

Shoppers sampled tastes from the region as they came to stock their pantry and one lucky shopper also won a hamper of local goods from her entry into the Buy Local Day colouring in competition.

Buy Local Day Ambassador and White’s IGA Director, Roz White, highlighted the day’s activities and the initiative’s importance.

“Buy Local Day was a great opportunity for our stores to showcase the incredible breadth of food and beverage suppliers that we have in the region,” Mrs White said.

“Shoppers could also meet the real people behind their favourite local brands.

“This initiative really shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting our local businesses, not just on Buy Local Day, but every day.

“It’s a chance for us as consumers to reflect and think ‘what is the one item I can purchase from a local business this week’. That thinking goes a long way to supporting our community.”

Caloundra’s Hidden Gems Uncovered

Shoppers in Caloundra were excited to find 22 Buy Local Day offers from food and boutiques to activities and services. Businesses were on display in the heart of Caloundra with shopping tours uncovering hidden gems and a vibrant business community. One tour participant who travelled from Brisbane said it was well “well worth the trip”.

For shoppers ready to pamper themselves, Mooloolaba foreshore was the place to visit. Jewellery, spa treatments, gelato and more could be indulged in at an exclusive Buy Local Day price.

Buy Local Day is an initiative that celebrates the incredible local businesses on the Sunshine Coast. It’s an opportunity for shoppers to show appreciation for the businesses that makes the region so special.

Learn more about Buy Local Day by visiting https://www.buylocalsunshinecoast.com.au/buy-local-day