With Christmas Day creeping closer, time is running out to buy gifts for those nearest and dearest.
Rochester Business Network gift cards can be used at businesses all around Rochy, taking the guess work out of Christmas shopping.
RBN president Tracie Kyne encouraged locals to purchase the cards as gifts this festive season.
“The cards are fantastic, because they can be given as gifts to everyone,” she said.
“The beauty of it is that it means they have to be used in Rochester on Rochester businesses.
“The money stays in our town, which we love.”
Mrs Kyne believes the cards make for a gift that everyone loves, providing flexibility.
There are a wide variety of businesses in town to spend the cards at, from retailers, pubs and cafés to hairdressers, Major’s IGA, petrol stations and even the post office.
“The recipient of the card can buy whatever they want in town in Rochester,” Mrs Kyne said.
“It’s supporting our local businesses and keeping the money in town. It’s a win-win.
“People don’t get something that they don’t particularly want or need for Christmas, they can go and buy whatever they’d like.”
The cards have proven popular since they were introduced more than eight years ago.
In the 2023/24 financial year $46,245 was loaded on to cards and $43,363 was spent in town at local businesses.
Schools, businesses and sporting clubs also often use them as prizes and thank-you gifts.
The cards can be purchased from a range of places in town, including Major’s, Sportspower and Rochester Newsagency, as well as from RBN.
“You can come into any participating business, such as Sportspower, and pick up a card,” Mrs Kyne said.
For any questions about the cards or to bulk order them, RBN can be contacted on 0493 756 343.