traders’ newsletter CAMBERWELL TRADERS ASSOCIATION NEWS
SECOND QUARTER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Marketing update Plastic free pilot program
CamberwellShopping
Market research results
camberwellshops
Retail and business news
camberwellshopping
RETAIL AND BUSINESS UPDATE Dear retailers and professionals, The recent lockdown reminds us that it is still uncertain times. However, we have seen how quickly we can rebound and how keen customers are to return, so I have no doubt that we will continue to show resilience. Latest ABS retail sales data shows that turnover grew by 2.2 per cent for the March 2021 quarter, compared to the previous year. Sales have also increased by 1.3 per cent month-on-month. Sectors leading the rises include cafes, restaurants and takeaway foods services (4.8 per cent), department stores (8.5 per cent), and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (5.4 per cent). In the current trading environment, it’s important to keep informed about government initiatives. This may include restrictions or responsibilities that can affect your business and may incur penalties, so it’s vital that you stay updated. In particular, it is now mandatory for many businesses in Victoria to use the state government’s official QR Code Service to assist with record keeping and contact tracing. We’ve outlined details about this further down in this newsletter. The association has created a ‘Trader Portal’ tab on our Camberwell Shopping website where we share
MARKETING SNAPSHOT Seasonal campaigns we have focused on in recent months include Easter, Mother’s Day, autumn, and CamberWELL-BEING. Our Easter campaign promoted Camberwell through a competition that asked people to find the golden eggs hidden on posters across the precinct as part of The Great Camberwell Easter Hunt. The campaign was supported by digital advertising, social media activity, printed posters, and a small editorial campaign. Our Mother’s Day campaign gave entrants the chance to win a $500 voucher to spend in Camberwell precinct – all they had to do was tell us which Mother’s Day award they would give their mum for a chance to win. The promotion was supported by website editorial and digital advertising. We ran our annual autumn campaign to highlight new season offerings, including fashion, homewares, dining, beauty, and wellness. The campaign promoted several retail categories and gave entrants the chance to win $1000 to spend in the precinct. CamberWELL-BEING returns this year to promote the health and wellness businesses in the Camberwell shopping precinct. The day gives shoppers the chance to discover business along the Wellness Trail and win a share in prizes worth more than $6,500. The event offers a great way for traders to connect directly with customers.
information relevant to businesses. Be sure to check this section to find links to resources, tenancy relief schemes, and programs to support traders. I’d like to remind you that the association is here to help you with any marketing queries and support. We can share your news with our database of more than 8,000 subscribers and promote your sales via the Camberwell Shopping website. Customers use this website to engage with local businesses, so it’s crucial that you inform us of any updates needed to your individual trader page including your current trading hours, contact links, and general details about your business. To stay informed about what is happening in Camberwell you also need to ensure we have your current email address. (If you aren’t receiving a monthly update, we don’t have your correct details or you may need to give us permission to add you to our database). You can send your offers and details to me via email: info@camberwellca.com.au Please get in touch if there is anything else you need from the association. We are here for you. Regards, Kerry Daly Manager, Camberwell Centre Association
Our online marketing activities continue to yield strong results. Here’s a snapshot of Camberwell’s digital audience numbers: • More than 8,100 email addresses in our subscriber database • More than 130,300 visits to the websites over the past year • More than 8,600 followers on social media.
MARKET RESEARCH FOR CAMBERWELL PRECINCT The Camberwell Centre Association recently engaged a market research company to assess public attitudes and perception of the Camberwell shopping precinct. Findings show that people view Camberwell precinct as a destination that offers practical and convenient shopping options, rather than one driven by entertainment and excitement. The majority of shoppers have a preference for Camberwell precinct for ‘day-to-day essentials’, including purchasing groceries, breakfast, brunch, coffee and snacks. Shoppers also think that visiting Camberwell precinct involves less effort than visiting other precincts. This is due to Camberwell’s convenient location and ease of access via car or public transport, in addition to being less busy than neighbouring precincts. The research unveiled some opportunities for us to take advantage of including improving our range of exciting experiences across dining, entertainment, and nightlife, and via community events. Overall, people view Camberwell as a safe precinct that offers a strong connection to their local community, including supporting local shops and fostering a sense of tradition and nostalgia. We will put this research to use to refresh our branding and positioning in the market.
PLASTIC FREE BUSINESS AWARENESS PILOT PROGRAM You’re invited to express your interest in participating in the Plastic Free Business Awareness pilot program in Camberwell. Delivered by the City of Boroondara and the Boomerang Alliance, in partnership with Camberwell Centre Traders Association and Camberwell Fresh Food Market, the free program will run for six months starting July 2021. Participants can trial environmentally responsible and cost effective, single-use plastic alternatives in their business. You can make a positive environmental impact and potentially attract new customers wanting to support ‘greener’ businesses. Interested to find out more? Contact Lisa Di Felice on (03) 9278 4363 or lisa.difelice@boroondara.vic.gov.au Details: camberwellshopping.com.au/trader-news/ looking-for-ways-to-reduce-your-plastic-waste
COUNCIL SURVEY FINDINGS Boroondara Council recently completed a community survey that relates to retail and business precincts. Here are key findings from the research: • In 2021, 45 per cent of residents indicated ‘your local shops and businesses’ as a top 3 priority for council (27 per cent of residents ranked this priority sixth in 2017) • Looking forward, respondents said they would like council to focus on the following areas for the next 10 years: – Support local businesses – provide regulatory, financial and general support for businesses – Diversify retail and dining offerings – support a better and more widespread mix of retail and dining options – Improve and support outdoor dining – facilitate vibrant and safe outdoor dining spaces for traders and residents.
LOVE LOCAL LIFE Boroondara Council’s Love Local Life (LLL) website showcases local businesses in Boroondara through an online business directory, feature stories, and social media posts. The website is a great promotional opportunity – by being listed on this website, your business is more likely to be discovered by residents looking to support Boroondara’s diverse local businesses. Traders who create a business profile before June 25, 2021 will have the chance to win 1 of 3 x $1,500 marketing and promotional packages for their business.
To create your profile: 1. Visit lovelocallife.com.au/add-your-business/ 2. Fill in the form with details about your business 3. Preview, save, and publish. Once this process is complete, your business will be seen on a platform by visitors who are eager to spend locally. Note: To help businesses the Camberwell Centre Association and Boroondara Council will try to manually add Camberwell businesses after June 25. Please advise us if you do not wish to have your business listed.
QR CODE SERVICE MANDATORY It is now mandatory for many businesses in Victoria to use the state government’s official QR Code Service to assist with record keeping and contact tracing. Venues and facilities are required to use the QR Code Service, including all hospitality businesses (cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, and hotels), hairdressers and beauty services, as well as indoor recreation centres and community sporting facilities, including staffed and unstaffed gyms. For supermarkets, markets, retail and shopping centres, using the QR Code Service is highly recommended. Find more information at: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ record-keeping-contact-tracing-information-business
NETWORKING EVENTS Meet other traders, professionals and community members to share ideas and issues.
TRADER AND BUSINESS FORUMS Stay tuned for details about our next Camberwell Business Forum. Visit camberwellbusiness.com.au to get further details and to purchase your tickets. The Camberwell Business Forums offer local businesses a great opportunity to meet and network. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. Guest speakers and topics for future events will be posted on camberwellbusiness.com.au. Events are FREE for Camberwell traders or $25 for non-members, unless otherwise stated.
We remind all businesses to check out camberwellbusiness.com.au, where we post local business events held in Camberwell. If you are hosting a local seminar or event, we can also help promote it for free. Send info to: info@camberwellca.com.au
TRADER PORTAL Please see our Trader Portal tab on the website for helpful advice for rent negotiations, mediation, business and mental health support programmes available to you during COVID-19. camberwellshopping.com.au/cca-association-news
MARKETING CALENDAR What’s coming up? JUNE ✓ Queen’s Birthday public holiday (June 14) ✓ End of financial year sales
THE CAMBERWELL BUSINESS CLUB
✓ School holidays (June 26 – July 11)
The Camberwell Business Club events have returned. The club meets every Monday for lunch (from February to December), from 1pm – 2pm sharp, and features a guest speaker.
✓ Winter food and dining campaign
It costs $25 for casual attendance or membership packages are available. It’s a great chance to get out of the (home) office and meet fellow business operators over a light lunch. Details: camberwellbusinessclub.com.au
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BUSINESSES It is difficult to keep up with new operators in the precinct, particularly those in upper levels, so please keep us informed. The camberwellshopping.com.au website is not just for retailers — businesses can use it too. If your business deals directly with the public or works with other small businesses, please let us know. We can create a web page for you at no cost.
JULY ✓ School holidays (June 26 – July 11)
AUGUST ✓ Winter food and dining campaign ✓ The Camberwell Citizen issue #11 available ✓ Father’s Day promotions begin
SHOP NEWS
Catch up with new businesses, store moves and other news. BELLITE Shop 11B, Camberwell Arcade, 600-606 Burke Rd Bellite has opened in Camberwell. Their fashion collections combine the effortless Australian lifestyle with European and Balinese influences to bring you timeless trends. CHAN KOREAN CUISINE 383-385 Camberwell Rd New to Camberwell, Chan Korean Cuisine offers authentic homemade Korean food, with takeaway and catering options available. EYES ON FLOYD Shop 11B, Camberwell Arcade, 600-606 Burke Rd Eyes on Floyd has arrived in Camberwell and offers clothing featuring French broderie Anglaise, lace details, Boho chic prints and vintage-inspired Victorian pieces. GLENFERRIE CREPE CAFE Market Place Glenferrie Crepe Cafe, a cafe that offers sweet and savoury crepes as well as coffee, will open soon in Market Place (next to Anytime Fitness). Stay tuned for more details. DALE LA PAU 255 Camberwell Rd Dale La Pau has new trading hours. They will be open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday from 11am – 3pm, and open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 9.30pm. KAT BY KATHERINE JANE Camberwell Place, Level 1, 793 Burke Rd Kat and Magee has rebranded and is now called Kat by Katherine Jane. Brand owner Kat Watson has created the Kat by Katherine Jane range, offering a stunning selection of designs featuring her signature digital prints. Check out the range today in-store. MR. LV 664 Burke Rd New to Camberwell, Mr.LV offers a range of luxurious products which mainly focus on Japanese and Korean snacks, as well as ice creams and frozen foods. ROKK EBONY 740 Burke Rd With a location now in Camberwell, Rokk Ebony offers hair packages to rokk your world. If you want foils, haircuts, blow waves, treatments, toners or revival of those roots, they’ve got you covered.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESIDENT Henk Kelly-Kobes Dymocks Bookstore 9882 0032 VICE PRESIDENT Ray Orr Mail Boxes Etc 9813 2200 TREASURER Daniel Piciocco Aintree Group 9851 7933 SECRETARY Bev Wooffindin Camberwell Secretariat 9813 2707
MEMBERS Wayne Chen The Gift Bargain Store 0433 159 949 Natalie Daw Helloworld Travel Camberwell 9963 1280 Neil Earle Earle & Company 9882 0233 George Keskerides Terry White Chemist 9882 6655 Chris Risteski Column Financial Solutions 9859 8214
If you would like to become a member of the association or take a role on the committee contact the president to discuss.
WEEKLY MEETINGS Our weekly meetings are currently on hold. However, all traders are welcome to contact precinct manager Kerry Daly to discuss any marketing or relevant issues. Call (03) 9813 4190 or email kdaly@camberwellca.com.au
STAY INFORMED The trader’s association sends out monthly email newsletters with current business, news and marketing updates to ensure you stay informed about what’s going on in the precinct. If you are not receiving these emails then we either do not have your current email address or you need to check your spam filters. Please contact us if you are having any issues with receiving the email newsletter.
CONTACT US For further information regarding topics in this newsletter, please contact Kerry Daly Camberwell Centre Association Manager Lvl 1, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd Camberwell VIC 3124 Phone / Fax: (03) 9813 4190 info@camberwellca.com.au