A new website has launched with an online store to help connect local shoppers with quality local products.

The buyHUNTER.com.au webshop features more than 250 products from quality boutique and artisan producers from the Hunter, Newcastle, and Central Coast.

The site has been designed specifically for people who are a registered Australian business (with an ABN), but might not yet have e-commerce or online shopping capabilities or who are looking for an additional sales channel for their products.

The buyHUNTER initiative was created by Cornelia Schulze and Julie Hancock after recognising an increased need to connect shoppers with quality local goods.

“The pandemic has delivered many challenges to our community. Not only have local providores found it difficult to sell their wares due to the cancellation of markets and restrictions to trade, but many of them do not have accessible ways to take their business online,” Cornelia said.

“From every challenge comes opportunity and we were hearing that local shoppers were also looking for convenient and safe ways to access quality products.

“We launched to site on 27 August and since that time, buyHUNTER is attracting about five new businesses and about 50 new local products weekly,” she said.

buyHUNTER.com.au currently includes a range of local products such as:

• Designed and handmade garments from Novocastrian designer Gina Ermer,
• Stunning flower arrangements from Maitland based Femme Pétale,
• Lovingly hand poured candles by Anvil Creek Candles (Upper Hunter),
• Hand crafted jewellery from Grapes by Winmark and Sir Stag Mens Jewellery,
• Tantalising spice blends from My Souk Drawer,
• Locally ground Speak No Evil Coffee from Three Monkeys Café and,
• Urban Hum organic honey.

Plus, so much more!

Cornelia and Julie began to develop the idea for the online marketplace for local artisans and providores as part of their work in local media.

The business partners are also the owners and editors of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine.

“As part of our quest to feature interesting local stories and businesses, we have the pleasure of experiencing the talent and passion of the producers, artists and craftspeople in our region,” Julie said.

“What they were missing was a platform that would allow them to extend their reach into new markets. We saw buyHUNTER as a natural extension of our passion to promote everything our vibrant region has to offer.

“Our goal is to create accessible ways to help local business showcase their wares, be competitive and continue to innovate and diversify. At no other time has this ever been so important as we navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

IMAGE | buyHunter developers, Cornelia Schulze and Julie Hancock.