Tis the season to shop the ‘Gong!

As the sleigh bells ring and carols sing, its clear countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway. As we get ready to celebrate this festive season, we’re encouraging our community to support local business and shop the Gong this December.

Spending locally not only helps businesses, it also helps keep jobs here in the City of Wollongong, and that has benefits for our entire community.

Not sure where to start? The ‘Gong is home to an impressive selection of speciality shops, malls, experiences and places to eat and drink in village centres all the way from Helensburgh to Dapto in the south. That means that you can outfit your entire holiday season by visiting local shops, restaurants, grocers, and service providers.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that Wollongong was fortunate to have a passionate local business community.

“I’d like to acknowledge that household budgets are tighter and asking people to spend extra money isn’t practical for everyone. Instead, this campaign seeks to encourage our community to change where you spend your money by thinking local first,” Cr Bradbery said.

“We have access to world-class products and services right here in the City of Wollongong. This Christmas, we’re encouraging our residents to celebrate and support local when choosing Christmas presents, planning celebrations and when looking for dining options.

“It’s true that every dollar you spend locally counts. For every $1 spent in a local business, 67 cents stay right here in our city. Shopping locally is one of the simplest ways you can support our community. Vote with your wallet and put your money where your heart is. We can all do our part to support our friends, families and community who work in our city.”

In the past 12 months alone, Wollongong residents have spent over $1 billion outside of our city*. By thinking local first, we can keep much-needed funds in our community.

Wollongong City Council Economic Development Manager Mark Grimson said buying local offered the benefit of convenience, as well as a more personalised experience.

“Our city is home to around 14,000 businesses, which employ tens of thousands of our city’s residents and drive the economic sustainability of our community. Our businesses are a reflection of our city, your friends and family members,” Mr Grimson said.

“Over December, you’ll see and hear the message to ‘Shop the Gong’. We’re proud to support this campaign as part of our wider economic development strategy which aims to generate more jobs in our LGA and grow our local economy for the future.

“We hope Wollongong residents get behind the campaign and choose to support their local business community this festive season.”

Visit our website for more information about Wollongong City Council’s We Shop The Gong campaign.

Things you can do to help a business without spending more:

1. ‘Near Me’ – add ‘near me’ to your search terms to see local businesses, first. Or turn on your location so you always see local search results first.
2. Head to your High Street – try a visit to your local main street or shopping centre, before heading out of the area.
3. ‘Ask a Friend’ – looking for a specific product or service? Ask a friend on socials for their recommendations.
4. ‘Share the love’ – Found a great small business or unique product or service?
   1. Tell a friend – or share your purchase on your own socials
   2. Like and share their posts on socials
   3. Leave a great review!

*Spendmapp data, 2022.