Buy local: Visa campaign assists small businesses in wake of Covid-19

Encouraging Kiwis to continue to shop local, Visa’s new digital campaign focuses on six small North Island businesses that are in need of support following the impact of Covid-19.

The ‘Where You Shop Matters’ campaign aims to support small businesses, enabling them to not only survive, but thrive. Fronting the campaign are Duncan’s Brewing Co., Waiheke Dive and Snorkel, Commonsense Organics, Surmanti, Adrienne Whitewood and Loxy’s Hair Boutique.

To reach critical consumer audiences, each business has embraced the power of e-commerce, following a YouGov survey in July 2020 found that 76 percent of those surveyed believe retailers should have an online presence. Additionally, 74 percent said retailers should accept digital payments.

“Visa has always proudly supported small businesses to grow through technology and payment innovation, and we know that support is more important than ever,”says Visa country manager for NZ and South Pacific, Marty Kerr.

“As New Zealand continues its fight against Covid-19, we’re using the power of our global brand to raise the profile of small businesses, and tapping into our expertise and that of our partners to help businesses move online.”

During Level 3 of the nationwide Lockdown, it was incredible to see New Zealand coming together and supporting local business as best we could. A recent survey in July found that 97 percent of Kiwis have said they will continue to shop local and support small businesses as they recover.

“Support from local communities is also really critical as the country adapts once more to restrictions that will impact commerce and trading, so it’s amazing to see the majority of Kiwi consumers are willing to support in these uncertain times,” says Mr Kerr.

As small businesses get back on their feet and try to keep up with consumers changing the way they shop and pay, Visa has launched a range of resources to help steady the load.

“Visa has launched free e- commerce starter packages, an ad booster programme, and the Visa Business Locator Tool. These resources are still available and we urge Kiwi business owners to take advantage of them as they rebuild from the shock of Covid-19 and look ahead to future growth,” says Kerr.

Owner and founder of Duncan’s Brewing Co, George Duncan, says Visa’s campaign has given his business an online presence and enabled them to reach new customers.

“Having a fully functional e-commerce site meant we were able to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances as a business to weather the impacts of Covid-19,” says Duncan.

“Customers could order our entire beer range online and we’ve actually come out of Covid-19 with an increase in sales. We’ve seen online shopping habits continue on this trajectory even after lockdown restrictions eased and as a result have just had our best month ever.”

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