Tech Industry Unites To Launch LoveLocalRetail Coalition To Help Struggling Retailers In AUNZ

Tech Industry Unites To Launch LoveLocalRetail Coalition To Help Struggling Retailers In AUNZ
B&T Magazine
By B&T Magazine



Australia’s tech industry has today united to create the #LoveLocalRetail initiative, a coalition of the biggest names in the retail industry including Vend, Google, Xero, Afterpay, Marsello and BigCommerce.

To help support independent retailers in Australia and New Zealand weather what is an unprecedented challenge, LoveLocalRetail is an all-in-one resource where retailers can access free and heavily discounted software, assistance, support and sage advice related to everything from successfully digitising their retail operations to navigating government legislation.

Some of the exclusive deals on offer include:

·  Vend: Two months free of Vend’s multi-channel retail point of sale software.

·  Google: Advertising and credit for Google Ads.

·  BigCommerce: Three months free of BigCommerce’s ecommerce software.

·  Deputy: Two months free of Deputy’s scheduling, timesheets and communications software.

·  Marsello: Three months free of Marsello’s loyalty and customer marketing software.

·  Timely: 50% off an annual 12-month subscription for Timely’s appointment bookings software.

·  Pointy: Free online marketing tools for Vend retailers through Pointy, plus $100 Google Ad credit.

·  Aider: Six months free Aider, digital financial assistance software.

Data from Vend reveals that, since coronavirus lockdowns intensified in March, retail activity in Australia and New Zealand has slowed significantly, with many thousands of small businesses isolated from the customers they rely on. The data reveals that, from February to March, retail turnover across Australia dropped by almost one third (28.4%), with April’s retail activity roughly 30% below typical trading levels, making the need for a unified source of support crucial.

Commenting on the launch, Dave Scheine, Vend Managing Director for APAC, said: “It’s a tough time for everyone right now, but perhaps for small independent retailers more than most. That’s why  we’ve rallied the help of all our retail friends into one place, to offer our help, support and guidance. Collectively, we’re stronger together and we want to invite other organisations, passionate about retail, to get in touch and join the LoveLocalRetail initiative.

“At a time when the survival of the industry – and the many thousands of small, local, family-run businesses that call it home – is at stake, it’s important to unite, and support them in whatever way we can. These retailers are the bespoke, dynamic and diverse businesses that add colour and diversity to their communities, and if we can help them respond and recover ahead of the retail spring, the industry in Australia still has a beautiful future.”

Johann Kim, Founder and Managing Director of  Pigeonhole, added: “My business has been severely impacted by coronavirus. Until recently we had 10 stores and 65 members of staff across Australia, but we’ve now had to close all our stores and scale back our workforce as we pivot to focus more online. It’s a scary time but resources like Vend’s LoveLocalRetail initiative are invaluable. It’s nice to know that, when we need it, there are organisations out there fighting our corner. At a time where it can be difficult to know where to turn for help, the collective offers, guidance and resources it contains are absolutely essential as we recover, respond and build towards Pigeonhole 2.0.”

The LoveLocalRetail collective is made up of Vend, Afterpay, Aider, BigCommerce, BNZ, Deputy, Google, Marsello, Pointy, Prospa, Timely, Tyro and Xero.

 




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