August is ‘shop local’ month in Devonport with the chance for any customer purchasing goods or services in the village able to go into the draw to win a $1000 local shopping spree.

Modelled on a campaign to sustain local businesses the Devonport Business Association staged back in the days before we all knew anything about Covid, the promotion is called 3/50/1000, convenient shorthand for the concept that runs like this:

Simply shop at three different Devonport village businesses during August, spend a combined total of $50 or more (easy as!), and you are eligible to enter the draw to win $1,000.

3/50/1000 entry forms are available from most businesses in central Devonport; just ask and you’ll be given one. Attach (staple) three local purchase receipts that together total more than $50 and drop your completed entry form into one of the entry form boxes conveniently located in a number of retail outlets throughout the village.    

Importantly, 3/50/1000 is a shop local promotion that’s not just focused on retail. It also includes customer spending with trade and professional service providers, and, of course, hospitality outlets.

Happily you can enter as many times as you like, and so multiply your chances of winning the gift card prize for a $1000 local shopping spree come September!

Of course we like to think that every month is a shop local month, but as the country’s cost of living woes continue small businesses in particular are suffering declining revenues. Economic data clearly shows that New Zealand consumers generally have been cutting back on discretionary spending as they are forced to pay more for essentials.

These are very tough times in particular for small and independently owned businesses everywhere. The Devonport community relies on our own local shops and businesses, just as they all rely on the local community’s support. Shop local and win!