Bargains up for grabs as western businesses look to lure spenders out post-lockdown

From 50 per cent off hotel rooms – homewares, brewery and food discounts – businesses are pulling out all the stops to bring punters back after lockdown. See where to jag a bargain.

The Banksia Tree cafe owners Fabian and Halie Folghera are one of the western business owners offering deals to entice people out post lockdown. Pic: Brenton Edwards

Port Adelaide cafe owner Fabian Folghera says times can actually be tougher on trade post-lockdown – so he’s one of many business people out west offering great specials to entice people outside again.

Mr Folghera, who runs the Banksia Tree Cafe with wife Halie, said the past three lockdowns had been a real mixed bag for the business.

“During the first lockdown last year, we tried to stay open for the first five days but realised very quickly how much things had changed and we ended up closing for two weeks,” he said.

“We brain stormed ideas and reopened as a corner store, offering deliveries of essential items. It was how we survived last year and we actually did quite well.”

Mr Folghera said the three-day lockdown towards the end of last year was actually much tougher on the business.

An empty Armada Arndale shopping centre prior to the lockdown lifting. Picture: Paula Thompson

An empty Armada Arndale shopping centre prior to the lockdown lifting. Picture: Paula Thompson

“Afterwards people were very nervous and we really struggled after that lockdown,” he said.

The Banksia Tree remained open during the most recent lockdown and brought in night trade.

While the Banksia Tree was well-supported through most of the recent lockdown, Mr Folghera reported it was quiet towards the end and on the first day after lockdown.

“Tuesday was probably our quietest day since we opened two years ago,” he said.

To entice people back out, the cafe is offering $5 Mimosas to diners.

“We want to celebrate the fact we can open again (to indoor dining) and that we’re in a really good position in SA,” Mr Folghera said.

Semaphore Mainstreet Association member Ashley Tippins said there were a range of bargains being offered right along the popular coastal shopping strip, from clothing, to toys and cheap water resistant dog jackets to protect people’s pets from the elements.

SPECIALS AVAILABLE OUT WEST:

– Pirate Life Brewing at Port Adelaide is offering 25pc of all merchandise.

– Lakes Resort Hotel at West Lakes has 50pc off normal room rates to Friday evening.

– Wohlers at Richmond has 20pc off homewares on Thursday.

– Barry’s Burgers at Semaphore is offering ‘mates rates’ to tradies with 10pc off.

– Banksia Tree Cafe at Port Adelaide has $5 Mimosas.

– Interlocks Hair Face and Body at Largs Bay has 15pc off retail products on Thursday.

– Lonestar Ribs House and Brews Port Adelaide is offering $10 lunch specials,

– Port Adelaide Plaza is offering a free coffee for shopping at selected retailers.

– Trashville Boutique & Vintage at Semaphore has a new depop shop – www.depop.com/misstrashville – with free postage on all items.

– Binding Energies at Semaphore has 25pc of all clothes until August 1.

– Furniture By The Sea has 10pc off all Australian made sofas in store and 5pc of all new orders until August 12.

– Shoes on Semaphore has all winter boots, ugg boots and clothing on sale.

– Go Vita at Semaphore has 40pc of NutriVital vitamins.

– The Teddy Bear Shop at Semaphore has a 60cm stuffed panda marked down from $125 to $60.

– Semaphore Pets & Garden has half off wicker and seagrass baskets and $10 water resistant dog jackets.

– Roses Boutique at Semaphore is offering 10pc off all stock.

- Semaphore Blue Apartments are offering 15pc discount for direct bookings via website or phone. Bookings to made before August 31 for stays up to the end of September.