An important notice about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear fellow business operators,

We understand that you may be concerned about the impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) will have on your business and what the future will hold. We have been closely monitoring the facts over the course of the outbreak, including the latest medical advice from the Australian Government. Many of you will have the support and direction of your head offices but we also have many small businesses operators and we want to support you. As the situation continues to evolve, we will keep you updated where appropriate.

Everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The virus spreads via direct or close contact with people who are infectious, and by touching objects and surfaces contaminated from a cough or sneeze from a person with a confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face. The Australian Government has advised that you can help prevent the spread of coronavirus by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your cough and sneeze, disposing of tissues, and using alcohol- based hand sanitiser. If you are unwell, avoid contact with others. Find further details and resources at health.gov.au. Another helpful site for Victorian-based information is the DHHS Victoria website which also has posters that can be downloaded and printed for your store, and are available in English and Chinese.

Looking at the broader economic landscape, the recent interest rate cut and the federal government’s economic stimulus package should help businesses cope during these tough times. To learn more about the financial assistance available for businesses, visit business.gov.au. The Victorian Small Business Commission website has local updates for businesses and helpful advice with regard to leasing issues.

We have a full calendar of marketing campaigns and promotions planned to draw shoppers to the precinct. People will be looking for things to do in an open-air environment which our precinct offers. They still need to go out, they still want things to do, and they still want to buy things to keep them entertained at home. Our Easter promotion can offer families an outdoor activity for the kids that will move them around the precinct. We will promote this in an extensive campaign including radio. At this stage, we are still planning on the popular CamberWELL-BEING campaign for late May, pending official advice. We will also bring forward our Camberwell Art Trail on Burke Hill to August as it is another event that doesn’t require close interaction. Our Camberwell Business Forum networking events will continue when safe to do so.

Our online marketing is very professional and we are well positioned to continue to communicate to our database of over 7,500 people, as well as targeted digital promotion. As more people will be staying local we need to remind our customers that we are here for them and we are happy to share your news as well. This is an opportunity to offer customers extra services, for example:

• You may like to temporarily organise your own home delivery service
• Make up hampers of food or goods for quick service sale
• Offer a click/phone order and collect service
• Cafes and restaurants could take out some tables to offer more space for dinners
• Make sure we have your e-commerce site links to help promote your online sales
• We can share ways your business or staff are helping the community to keep things positive
• Take time to chat with your customers, look out for your staff, and remain upbeat. We will be judged by our actions in times of crisis, so we need to be kind to each other.

The Camberwell Traders’ Association is much more than an association, it’s a community. So let’s support each other and work together. It’s understandable that some may feel more anxious given the sense of uncertainty around COVID-19, so it’s important to be mindful of good hygiene practices, rely on trusted sources of information and look out for each other.

We are here to support your business, so please contact the association if you need marketing support for your business. Email us at: [email protected]

Take care,

Kerry Daly
Manager, Camberwell Centre Association.

This article was originally published on the Camberwell Shopping website.