Chill Out in Noosa on Hastings Street Dollars

An innovative new program designed to address a national softening in retail activity by promoting local dollars on one of Australia's most famous streets was launched today in Noosa.

Encouraging locals and visitors alike to take some time to chill out in Noosa, the Hastings Street dollars promotion, running from now until the end of August, will reward shoppers along the iconic beach strip for every purchase of 50 dollars or more.

Participating retail businesses, from clothing and footwear to restaurants and boutiques, will pass on to shoppers five Hastings Street dollars every time they spend $50 or more on an individual purchase, and ten local dollars for purchases of $100. The Hastings Street dollars can then be used for savings on other purchases along the street.

To ensure customers have plenty of time to make their retail decisions or enjoy a quality lunch on the strip regulated parking on Hastings Street has been extended from 1 hour to 3 hours for the duration of the campaign.

Hastings Street Association President Jim Berardo said the campaign aimed to capture the imagination of consumers and get them supporting participating businesses with their local dollars.

"While we know that many consumers have tightened their belts recently, we hope that the idea of retail savings along Hastings Street to compliment a stay in Noosa is something that people will warm to.

We're inviting locals and visitors to come and spend some time here with the message of chilling out in Noosa during the winter months. Those who stay in participating Hastings Street accommodation properties throughout July and August will automatically receive 100 Hastings Street dollars to use on the street and locals received an allocation through a local media promotion."

Steve Cooper, CEO of Tourism Noosa said the chill out in Noosa campaign whilst predominantly targeting the drive and domestic markets was hopeful that locals would also take advantage of the great deals on offer.

"There has been a lack of confidence in consumer spending across Australia and tourism hasn't been immune to that. This campaign along with the Hastings Street dollars puts a bit of fun into visiting Noosa through the winter months and hopefully encourages all consumers to take a well earned break whilst capitalising on a range of great offers."

The campaign is being promoted via radio to the Brisbane drive market and further afield through digital and social media activity and a print campaign.

It is anticipated that over $500,000 Hastings Street dollars will be injected into the local economy to assist in building consumer confidence.

For more information on chilling out in Noosa or Hastings Street dollars go to visitnoosa.com.au

15 July 2010
Tourism Noosa