Shoppers have another reason to jump online for boutique specials and bespoke creations with the launch today of the ClicknConnect discovery marketplace.
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The online destination, an initiative of ACM, publisher of this website, is designed to help shoppers across Australia find the "hidden gems" of small businesses that power our regional and suburban economies.
And if you're among the first to log on to the site, you'll not only discover what those small businesses have to offer, you'll have the chance to win $500 to spend at the ClicknConnect business of your choice.
We have five vouchers, each worth $500 to give away. All you need to do is register your contact details as you enter the website to go in the draw.
Entry registrations for the voucher giveaway will close at 11.59pm AEST on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. The winners will be announced on November 18 and notified by email and phone on the same day.
ClicknConnect was launched to help businesses ride the online shopping wave. While e-commerce had been a steadily growing trend, lockdowns associated with the coronavirus pandemic encouraged more businesses and shoppers online as bricks-and-mortar retail stores were forced to close or restrict trading.
"We have also seen a growing trend among consumers wanting to support small businesses, whether they're based in their local town or elsewhere around the country," ACM chief revenue officer Sharon Fitter said. "Through the ClicknConnect website, shopping with small businesses has never been easier. The site helps shoppers discover and connect with retailers, all in one convenient portal."
The ClicknConnect platform, launching at 8pm on October 6, carries listings from retailers and service providers trading online across Australia. Shoppers can search by category or location, and then click through to the business's website to finalise their purchase.
Ms Fitter said the ClicknConnect concept aligned perfectly with ACM's goal to keep communities "strong, informed and connected", and its national footprint.
"ACM boasts an audience of 6.4 million people a month across our network of websites and newspapers ... We want to help our customers grow their business and we can use the power of the ACM national network to make that happen," she said.
Read more about ACM
Businesses can join the ClicknConnect site by getting in touch with the sales team at their local ACM newspaper. ACM is Australia's biggest independent news brand serving suburban, regional and rural communities.
Its network of websites and newspapers includes The Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald, Illawarra Mercury, the Border Mail, Wagga Daily Advertiser, Ballarat Courier, Bendigo Advertiser, the Launceston Examiner and Burnie Advocate, and other publications throughout south-east Queensland, right across NSW and Victoria and into SA and Western Australia. For a full list of ACM publications, go to www.acmadcentre.com.au.