Local shops and businesses gear up to bring Easter cheer to your door

The coronavirus pandemic has all but halted in-store trade for many local businesses, and they have reacted by finding new ways to get their products into people’s homes.

IF a heat-reactive mug with David Walsh’s face on it, a carton of Willie Smith’s cider or a platter of preserves from Harvest and Light appear on your Easter wishlist, you’re in luck.

All of those things, plus plenty of other unique and unusual goodies, can now be delivered to your door.

Hundreds of businesses across the state have come up with innovative ideas to continue selling their products during the coronavirus crisis.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys this week called on people to “step up, stay home, be kind to each other and support our local communities and businesses”.

“For many businesses and enterprises in the tourism industry, this is a particularly dire time,” he said.

“At Easter time we usually see a spike in visitor activity — whether it be Tasmanians travelling to their shacks or favourite camping spots, or interstate families enjoying a school holiday adventure in Tassie.

“But this Easter break, we are all required to stay at home unless we need to seek essential services. That said, there are still ways you can safely support local businesses.”

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Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Heroys said many restaurants and cafes had implemented contactless delivery services, while other businesses had developed online shops.

“For example, while you can’t travel to the Huon Valley, local business Harvest and Light will deliver their preserves and pickles to you in Hobart and the surrounding area,” he said.

“Bruny Island is usually a popular destination at Easter. However, Bruny residents can enjoy home-cooked meals for pick up or delivery from Bruny Island Premium Wines, or swing by Hotel Bruny for food and beverage takeaways.”

Other examples of innovation include the Salamanca Market switching to online, and McHenry’s, Lark, Willie Smith’s and Hartshorn Distillery all making hand sanitiser.

“If we work together, I know we will get through this pandemic and be stronger on the other side,” Mr Heroys said.

DELIVERING TO YOUR DOOR:

— Colour and Cork are diversifying to send art packs out to people, along with helpful ‘how to’ videos: www.facebook.com/colourandcorkhobart/posts/1582336045247380

— Salamanca Market is now online: www.salamancamarket.com.au/Home

— Hartshorn Sheep Whey Distillery is making hand sanitiser: grandvewe.com.au/product/sheep-whey-hand-sanitiser/

— Collide Wholefoods in partnership with Criterion Cafe has developed a social enterprise to provide nourishment for frontline workers: collidewholefoods.com.au/product/donate-a-lunch/

— Harvest and Light is offering delivery on all their preserves and ideas for how to use them: www.facebook.com/HarvestAndLight/

— Willie Smith’s is offering free delivery of cider statewide: www.williesmiths.com.au/shop/

— Walshie’s Wine Wagon is delivering Moorilla and Domaine A wines to Hobart and the northern suburbs: moorilla.com.au/shop/wines/wagon

— The Mona shop has expanded its online offering: https://shop.mona.net.au/

— Bruny Island Cheese Co is doing weekly deliveries of produce packs filled with goodies from local producers: store.brunyislandcheese.com.au/offers/Hobart-Home-Delivery

— Society – Salamanca has opened an online store for all your beverage needs: society-salamanca.myshopify.com

— Bruny Island Premium Wines is offering home delivery or pick up for Easter: www.facebook.com/BrunyIslandPremiumWines