9 easy ways to support local shops in Elsternwick Village

Many shops and services have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Elsternwick Village is still open for business.

There are several ways you can help local businesses through the restrictions, and some of them won’t cost you a cent.

Elsternwick Village is more than a shopping strip, it’s the centre of the community, where people live, work and play.

So, it’s critical that we rally as a community and help our local traders make it through these challenging times.

Here are nine easy ways to support local businesses in Elsternwick Village:

1. Get takeaway from your favourite restaurants and cafes

Many of the cafes and restaurants in Elsternwick Village are still serving delicious meals, so why not order a takeaway to pick up or get delivered to your door.

If you miss your favourite dishes, want to try something new, or just want a night off from cooking, food and dining stores in Elsternwick Village are ready to take your order.

2. Write a positive review online

Writing a positive review online for a local store is one of the best ways to support Elsternwick Village traders.

There are many websites and online platforms to leave a recommendation on, but Google and Facebook are good places to start.

You might want to thank your favourite bakery for a tasty baked treat or your local fresh food grocer for their top-notch customer service.

3. Practise social distancing in store

Many stores in Elsternwick Village are still open, however they may require you and other customers to practise social distancing when in store.

Stores may have different rules, depending on their size of their space, so remember to keep an eye out for instructions or check with the staff if it looks like space is limited.

That means you can still see the latest looks in person at our fashion stores or discover something special at one of our boutique homewares stores.

4. Tell your friends about your favourite shops

Even in the digital age, word of mouth is a powerful way to help businesses attract new customers.

Recommend your go-to places in Elsternwick Village to family and friends and don’t forget to tell them why you like to shop local.

5. Shop local online

Many businesses in Elsternwick Village have an online store these days, so you can get what you want online and still support local traders.

Rather than searching for products, search for the names of local businesses first and see what you can find.

Why not order some toys for the kids or a gift for someone you care about from a store located in Elsternwick Village.

6. Follow local businesses on social media

A good way to show your support for local businesses is to follow them on Facebook, Instagram or whichever social media platform that they use.

Local businesses use their social media channels to promote special offers and keep customers up to date, so you can help spread the word by simply following them and sharing their posts.

7. Book a beauty consultation

Health and beauty clinics in Elsternwick Village have had to temporarily close their doors, but some are still offering online consultations and other services.

Health and beauty consultants are conducting online sessions via video calls, so you can still talk and interact like you would in person.

Some clinics may also allow customers to purchase items online or over the phone and then pick them up in person or get them home delivered.

8. Join an online class

Gyms and other health and wellbeing businesses have also been hit hard by the restrictions, but they are finding new options to continue helping people stay fit and healthy.

In Elsternwick Village, you can find gyms, personal trainers, and yoga and Pilates studios offering online classes, so sign up and get moving.

9. Sign up to the newsletter

Another easy (and free) way to support local businesses is to sign up to the Elsternwick Village email newsletter.

Our newsletters share all the latest news relating to the shopping precinct, Shop Stories, as well as exclusive promotions and offers available at local stores.

Sign up to the newsletter below.