A two-week fuel voucher promotion is being rolled out in Richmond in a bid to support local businesses and ease the pressure on shoppers feeling the pinch of rising costs.
The initiative comes after committee members heard from tenants and business owners that trading conditions had tightened, with foot traffic and average spend both dropping.
Richmond Unlimited chairperson Raymond Griffith says there has been a noticeable shift in the local economy.
“Through conversations, we were hearing that things were tough for businesses, with a definite decrease in foot traffic and spend,” Raymond says.
“All anyone could talk about was the fuel crisis. It is slowly coming back, but it is still tough, so we thought it would be a good thing to focus on.”
Starting from Monday, the promotion will see $2000 worth of fuel vouchers given away across two weeks. Each day, one winner will receive $200 in fuel vouchers, made up of one $100 voucher from NPD and one $100 voucher from BP.
Shoppers who spend $20 or more at participating Richmond businesses can enter the draw by writing their details on the back of their receipt. Entries role over each day, so early spends give a greater chance to win.
Raymond says the aim is simple: encourage people to shop, stay and spend locally.
“We want people spending in Richmond, whether that is at a café, a restaurant, getting their hair or nails done, fashion, retail, and everything in between.”
He hopes the chance to win free fuel will remove one barrier for people deciding whether to come into town.
“If fuel is the hard part for some people, who does not want to win free fuel?”
The promotion is part of a wider shift in how Richmond Unlimited sees its role, particularly following Covid-19.
“We are very conscious that what we spend on behalf of ratepayers is benefiting them,” Raymond says.
Richmond’s housing growth has also changed the landscape.
“Berryfields and The Meadows have brought hundreds of people right to the doorstep of the CBD,” he says.
With continued uncertainty, the group says it will keep adapting its approach to help local businesses create a presence and keep momentum going.
“We know it is really tough out there.”
