What began as an Instagram page in mid-March, as the nation prepared to shutdown with the COVID-19 pandemic, has turned into the online destination for Australians to shop Australian.
BUY AUSSIE NOW has seen more than two thousand small and medium businesses already registered through the website across eight launch categories. The categories include home and living, toys and education, apparel and footwear, jewellery and accessories, food and beverage, pets, skincare and beauty, and gifts with additional categories to be unveiled.
“My business, like many other Aussies, was hit badly in late March when the marketing sector pretty much came to a standstill,” says Founder and Managing Director, Mitch Catlin.
Additionally, customers will be able to purchase gift cards and participate in a rewards and loyalty program and are in the middle of finalising a new digital magazine, ‘Australian Life’.
Every Thursday night, the team also hold an Instagram Live session with various entrepreneurs and businesses across Australia to showcase their product, brand and manufacturing.
BUY AUSSIE NOW is free for businesses to upload and promote their products to a wider Aussie audience, and potentially overseas, given the appreciating and love of Australian goods.
“I turned to creating a community of other businesses who were stressed and anxious and I was just so overwhelmed with the number of Aussies who needed help and mateship during a tough time,” says Mr Catlin.
Chief Executive Officer Chris White adds: “Let’s always make Aussies brands, business and products our first thought every time we shop and not just during difficult periods.
“This will support the nation, families, friends and local communities and keep jobs and investment here.”
Both Aussie businesses and shoppers can register at buyaussienow.com.au