What started as a simple incentive to encourage locals to shop local, the VIP Shopping Night, which takes place in Port Douglas on 19th November 2015, has taken off with great support based purely on word of mouth and social media.

Newly appointed President of Douglas Chamber of Commerce (DCC) Helen de Ross, who is also the Branch Manager of Bendigo Bank, said she had first been involved in organising a similar event in Melbourne.

As Ms de Ross’ first “brain-child” as President of DCC the VIP Shopping Night is part of the Shop Small Australia Campaign. The event is a DCC event which is fully supported by the Bendigo Bank.

Participating businesses are offering discounts to all shoppers who join in the VIP Shopping Night.  For each purchase over $20 shoppers will get a stamp in their Shop Small Australia Passport. The “Passport” is an A6 post card that will be stamped by  participating businesses upon purchases over $20.

The Passports can be collected from Coconut Grove and the Saltwater complex. Shoppers can leave their completed Passports with the fifth business who stamps their Passport. Once they’ve received five stamps from five different shops they will go in the draw to win a night at Silky Oaks Lodge including breakfast for two.

“The VIP Shopping Night will be held on Thursday 19th November from 5pm to 9pm involving a number of shops and restaurants in Port Douglas. The idea is to boost local spending and keep the dollars in the town in the lead up to Christmas,” said Ms de Ross.

“We have amazing shops and restaurants in this region that need to be supported. Many restaurants have also come on board and are offering discounted meals, cocktails etc. Some of the businesses are also offering a glass of bubbles to add to the celebration of the event,” she said.

As the event is only now currently being specifically advertised with a social media event invitation, an electronic flyer and printed posters and signage, predominately it has been through word of mouth that the interest in the event has been so successful.

Ms de Ross advised that any other businesses who are interested in participating to please let her know their promotional offer for the event so that this can be advertised on the Douglas Chamber of Commerce social media page.

“Everyone is included and the event ties in with Christmas as well as a great opportunity to buy your dress for the Douglas Business and Tourism Awards,” she said.

As the first year running the campaign the Chamber has solely focused on Port Douglas but if successful, will roll out into Mossman next year.

For more information on the Shop Small VIP Shopping Night head to the chamber website Douglas Chamber of Commerce or join in the fun on the Douglas Chamber of Commercial social media page Facebook