Below is a copy of a storey today on Adelaide Now by Valerina Changarathil from The Advertiser


IT’S an online shopfront like no other, displaying the best of 1200 retail businesses across Unley’s five shopping precincts.

In a public-private partnership to boost business in the Unley region, the council and five trader associations will launch an online portal today to showcase their flavours, styles and services.

It will promote the retail precincts along Unley Rd, Goodwood Rd, Fullarton Rd, King William Rd and Glen Osmond Rd.

It will be managed by the council and supported with behind-the-scenes promotion on social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter, and with paid advertising on Facebook.

City of Unley business and economic development manager Matt Grant said the project was part of a strong digital push to promote the region.

“The key message is ‘Unley is open for business’,” he said.

“It helps to set the region up as a shopping destination rather than each precinct doing their own thing.”

For now, the website will only be an information point, encouraging customers to find what they want online and then head to the stores to make purchases.

“It will evolve as technology improves and needs get defined, but for now, it’s about the experiences,” Mr Grant said.

The website is split into four sections: Cafes, restaurants, shops and services. A separate link is included for customers to browse for information by shopping precincts and by stores.

Businesses listed on the site have been picked for their uniqueness to Unley and their digital acumen.

Vino Ristorante owner Tania Paola said it was terrific to see small businesses like hers getting support on the marketing front.

“This is one way to put us out there,” she said.

Mr Grant said the digital strategy tied into the State Government’s proposed development changes to promote growth in Unley and increase building heights.

“This work will help those corridors to be economically viable strips, bringing life back at night time.”

A business club called Social Signals will meet every month for social media expert sessions and feedback on the council’s digital strategy.