The #lovebundy message is spreading fast across the region with businesses uniting to provide support for one another and to help promote local shopping.
Nathans Boutique owner Sue Hargreaves has been operating in the CBD for over 30 years but was struggling to compete with online shopping trends.
“I have got a great little business but the last couple of years, like everywhere, has been difficult,” she said.
Thanks to the support from businesses including The Club Hotel and Alowishus, Ms Hargreaves now has new opportunity to expand her services.
The group gathered today to unveil the refurbished shop in Targo Street as well as Nathans Boutique own live webpage.
Owner of The Club Hotel Anthony Burrows said he was moved after hearing of the plight of Nathans Boutique and desperately wanted to help.
“Last week at a Council meeting I met Sue who told us her story,” he said.
“She needed some assistance or the business wasn't going to continue in Bundaberg.”
“I walked out of that meeting thinking I would really like to offer some support.”
Mr Burrows said he got his team together to help build Nathans Boutique a website to help promote the store and give the boutique an online presence.
“Tracey from Alowishus kindly gave Sue support as well to get her on Google,” he said.
Mr Burrows said he was part of the #lovebundy campaign which was all about supporting local shopping.
“This is about being positive and proactive,” he said.
“Every business has to diversify itself and recreate the wheel.
“Put a positive stamp on your business and jump in the trenches to look for new opportunities to get people to come to your shop.”
Mr Burrows said he was offering $20 off The Club Hotel purchases for anyone who spent $100 at Nathans Boutique this week.
Ms Hargreaves said she was overwhelmed to receive support from the Bundaberg business community.
“I am extraordinarily happy,” she said.
“I realised I have to get my business online and that was where Anthony has come in to help push me along.
“I think well, if you can't beat them, join them. You have to keep going forward.”
Bundaberg Regional Council Division 4 representative Cr Helen Blackburn said she was a big advocate for #lovebundy campaign and urged residents to get on board with the support.
“If people truly love Bundy then they need to support Bundy. Not just the CBD but also further afield in any of our local shopping places,” Cr Blackburn said.
“The #lovebundy campaign is out there for a reason and it is to bring awareness to all of the great things we have on offer here Bundaberg.”
Find out more:
To check out the new Nathans Boutique website go to https://www.facebook.com/NathansBoutique/
To find out more about the #lovebundy campaign visit https://www.facebook.com/lovebundytraders/
