Australia’s largest retail precinct, Chapel Street Precinct, is making ‘Lemonade out of Lemons‘ (again) and has again enlisted Melbourne Megastar, Dolly Diamond, as its official ambassador to educate Melburnians on supporting small businesses during the Global Coronavirus Crisis (GCC).
“With most Australians now staying home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus second wave, Chapel Street Precinct’s businesses need community support more so than ever before,” said Chrissie Maus, General Manager Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA). “Dolly Diamond is a local legend and a much-loved star of Melbourne’s comedy scene. She is the perfect person to put a smile on our mandatory mask covered faces, while also educating us on how to live differently during iso 2.0!
It’s business as (un)usual – we have innovated, pivoted and are now raring to give you the same hospitality Chapel Street has always been renowned for. Except now, you can enjoy these benefits from the comfort of your home.”
Dolly Diamond will star in videos to keep you posted on locals offering takeaway or delivery, boutique retailers who are now offering their products online, gyms that have innovated by delivering online workouts and nutritional videos, and many more ways you can #supportlocal while lounging on your backside again during stage four lockdown.
“As a resident of Windsor, my community has supported me over the years and I’m thrilled to be able to return the favour. These are unprecedented times, and that calls for much creativity and innovation – and all of us in Chapel Street Precinct are up for the challenge. I can’t think of a better way to get through this isolation period, than shopping, eating and exercising from the comfort of my own home… order in people, order in!”
As well as recruiting Dolly Diamond, Chapel Street Precinct is urging food delivery platforms including UberEats, Deliveroo and Menulog to reduce their delivery fees in an effort to support Chapel Street Precinct’s hospitality businesses.
Chapel Street Precinct Chairperson Justin O’Donnell explains: “UberEats in North America has already come to the party by waiving the Delivery Fee for more than 100,000 independent restaurants across the US and Canada.
“Food delivery giants charge Australian restaurants and cafes up to 35% commission on every order. As a starting point, we are urging the food delivery giants to halve the commissions they charge. This fee is directly taken from our restaurants and cafes already small profit margin. Without this reduction, most won’t make enough profit to continue long term. Surely with the increased volume of orders, they can afford to reduce their commission and help their food partners survive through these challenging times.”
Click the #supportlocal button below to see the growing list of local Chapel Street Precinct businesses to support through this difficult time.
