Keeping buying habits local is a struggle for many independent and small retailers, but the introduction of a new app aims to encourage shoppers to think about their shopping habits.

iSaveLocal is a locally owned and managed business, with a discounts and voucher app, developed for both Apple and Android, which is also supported by a website with printable offers.

Cofounder Gabriel Waterford was motivated to act when he realised that although local people love their local stores, they often need a way to know what products and services may be just around the corner.

“Small businesses are integral to our shared sense of community, and money spent here is money that stays in our community,” Gabriel said.

“Unfortunately our spending habits are becoming more and more corporate and impersonal – and that sense of community is slipping away. I believe iSaveLocal is the bridge between traditional small businesses and the local community.” 

“Competing for attention in a modern environment, saturated with technology, is incredibly hard for a small business on a tight budget so we help overcome that boundary and put the power of decision back into the hands of local people, who still get to reap the benefits of discounts and loyalty programs.” 

The current crop of small business partners highlighted were approached personally to share in the launch of iSaveLocal. New products and services are encourage to get involved as iSaveLocal is rolled out to more suburbs around the Newcastle region, with Hamilton, The Junction, New Lambton and Lambton currently featured.