Customers are returning to their favourite stores as more businesses in Central Geelong reopen their physical shopfronts, cafes, practices and offices every day as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Having the opportunity to dine in at a favourite cafe or restaurant has been welcomed by many and restaurant and cafe operators have been excited to greet old and new customers.
Central Geelong Marketing says over the coming weeks, as more and more businesses and professional services open or extend their opening hours, customers will notice new capacity limits, social distancing requirements and extra hygiene measures.
For some, the store fit-out has been modified to allow for social distancing and hygiene requirements – some retailers have implemented limits on customer numbers in store and the use of hand sanitiser is required for each customer entering.
Counter shields to provide extra protection for staff and customers have been installed at many registers and reception desks and social distancing markers are now common features assisting customers waiting in line to be serviced at a safe distance. Contactless payment is encouraged.
The 30,000-plus people who work in Central Geelong form a significant part of the regular customer base for Geelong businesses. While the on-going work from home rule is still in place for large office workforces including WorkSafe, TAC, NDIA, City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water, Deakin University and The Gordon, the numbers of workers and students moving through the city each day is still impacted.
It’s more important than ever to encourage local people to think about buying products and services they need locally.
To support local Central Geelong businesses now, and in the future, you can look for every opportunity to buy the products and services you need from local businesses.
It also helps when you follow the businesses on social media. Liking and following their pages, giving them a shout out for great products and services and leaving a review, helps other customers find them.
Making a choice to buy a product or service from a local business is not just good for that business – it’s also good for you. You get great customer service, it’s good for the environment because buying local reduces your carbon footprint, and you get to know the people who own or work in the store or cafe´.
Local businesses also bring variety and unique experiences to the streets of Central Geelong, and that’s good for everyone.
The recently released program for Tastes of Central Geelong 2020 has been developed to showcase the fantastic food on offer in Central Geelong and further support local restaurants and cafes.
The festival will run from July 1-31 with a program adapted to suit coronavirus restrictions around large gathering and group events.
The initial online program is focused on the offerings of restaurants and cafes, caters for individuals and small groups and has unique online elements. The program will continue to evolve over the coming weeks with more activities and offers to be announced before the festival kicks off on July 1. View the program at www.centralgeelong.com.au/tastes
During the upcoming winter school holidays, June 27 to July 12, Central Geelong Marketing will present the digital ‘Winter Kids Fun Guide’ to continue to engage with families and highlight businesses in Central Geelong.
There are exciting offers and creative activities to do at home. Plus, there are new and innovative self-guided activities for families to enjoy in Central Geelong safely within gathering and social distancing requirements. Register online to receive a copy of the Winter Kids Fun Guide when it is released at www.centralgeelong.com.au/school-holiday.
To find out more about these upcoming activities or to find a product or service you need in Central Geelong, download the Love Central Geelong app or visit www.centralgeelong.com.au/find
There is free casual on and off-street parking in Central Geelong until June 30, 2020 as a support measure to assist businesses and residents impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Time limits still apply.
To find out more about businesses in Central Geelong visit www.centralgeelong.com.au
