This Week in the Market – 28 April 2020

Edition 262
View this email in your browser
In this week’s Market News:- Latest Coronavirus information
– A Better Choice aprons available
– Northern Health COVID-19 fund

Market News

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information


The critical piece of advice for Market users is; if you are feeling unwell in any way, you should stay at home and seek medical advice. Do not attend the Market for work, or to purchase flowers or produce if you are feeling unwell in any way.

As previously communicated some operations at the Market have been temporarily changed for the safety of all users. Detailed information regarding the Coronavirus and its impacts on Market operations can be found on our website at www.melbournemarket.com.au/melbourne-market-coronavirus-covid-19-response/.

Social distancing and good hygiene is still the best tool we have to stop the spread of the virus. When at the Market you should remain at least 1.5 metres away from fellow Market users wherever possible, and make sure you are regularly washing your hands with soap and water.

The MMA continues to monitor advice from the Australian Government closely and is in regular contact with relevant State Government Departments, to provide you with up-to-date information concerning your work or business at the Melbourne Market.

A Better Choice aprons available for order

To further drive the A Better Choice brand in the community, branded aprons are now available for purchase.
The canvas cross-back aprons will be available in both black and latte colour. There are two options available; you can purchase the aprons solely with the A Better Choice logo, or, they can be dual-branded with your business logo also included.
The aprons cost $20+GST each; for those wanting to go with the dual-brand option, it will cost an extra $5 per apron (this is approximate depending on the intricacy of your logo).
The aprons are not only a must-have for A Better Choice retailers but for any Market trader or wholesaler wishing to show their support of the program.
Orders can be placed by emailing abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au or by contacting Art & Style.
Aprons will be available from 1 May; you can check out a sample by visiting Art & Style.

Jump on board today!
If you haven’t already signed up as an A Better Choice retailer, now is the time, click here to find out more.

A Better Choice feedback
Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program?
We’d love to hear from you, send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

Facebook
Instagram
Website

Best face mask solutions from around the world

Throughout Europe and America, health experts are warning people to protect themselves by wearing face coverings at all times when out in public. As a result, some eye-raising DIY protective gear has been spotted in grocery stores everywhere.
If you’re up for something a little light-hearted, click here to check out 40 of the best face mask solutions from around the world. Who knew an onion could be so versatile?

How Coronavirus spreads

Together we can help stop the spread

Northern Health COVID-19 fund


The Northern Health Foundation, who are responsible for fundraising for the Northern Hospital, launched the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund to help staff provide the best possible care for COVID-19 patients in the North.
The fund is designed to accelerate and increase the Northern Hospital’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients and provide support for front line staff at such a critical time.
The MMA was proud to support our local community by providing a donation towards the purchase of a high flow oxygen machine.
If you’d like to find out more about the fund and how you can help, visit www.nhfoundation.org.au/

Mother’s Day Flower campaign

Typically with Mother’s Day approaching, the MMA and Flowers Victoria would be working together to create a marketing campaign designed to get people to buy flowers for their mum. During the pandemic, we are still working together, but this year we’re creating a broader campaign encouraging people to buy flowers for anyone in their life, not just mum.
With most of Australia confined to their house, the campaign’s theme will be to say it with flowers, when you can’t be there in person.
Videos are being filmed today, which tell a short story where a bunch of flowers are left on a front doorstep. The person inside opens the door and sees the flowers to their surprise and delight.
The tagline on the various ads will include:
– Smiles, delivered.
– Love, delivered.
– Thanks, delivered.
– Thoughts, delivered.
The ads are designed to encourage consumers to purchase flowers locally to brighten someone’s day.
Social media videos and radio advertisements will begin appearing over the coming days, and we look forward to sharing the finished products with you in our next newsletter.

Flower industry diversifying to survive

Many of your fellow Market colleagues across the breezeway, from the flower industry, have been feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic more than most. In this period of uncertainty, many have been forced to adapt to survive.  Flowers Vasette is one such business who has pivoted to stay afloat in this strange new world.
Click here to read more about how founder and Managing Director, Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou, is utilising the Melbourne Market to diversify her offering.

Professional one-on-one business mentoring sessions

The City of Whittlesea is offering businesses that operate from the municipality free mentoring sessions delivered via phone or online.
Sessions can help by:

  • filling in any knowledge gaps, and enhancing motivation
  • guiding your business plan, and providing marketing guidance, and
  • clarifying current Government support packages.

The mentors are skilled at working with businesses in crisis situations and can provide relevant information regarding particular business types.
To apply for a session contact the Economic Development team.
Service providers are Small Business Mentoring Service and Box Hill Business Enterprise Centre.

Industry News

400 per cent increase in demand for organic produce

Australia’s organic certification bodies are adapting their auditing processes as the COVID-19 crisis pushes a huge surge in demand for organic grain, dairy, fruit, vegetables and beef.
Read more about the initiative on the Good Fruits and Vegetables website.

COVID-19 hoarding triggers record surge in retail sales, but a payback is coming

As shelves were stripped bare of essential items last month, preliminary figures show retail turnover surged 8.2 per cent in March. Food retailing drove the rise last month, with strong sales across supermarkets, liquor stores and other specialty food retailers, leading to what the ABS called “unprecedented demand”.
Read more on ABC News.

Ask the MMA

If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.

Follow us
Facebook
Instagram
Website
LinkedIn
Copyright © 2020 Melbourne Market Authority, All rights reserved.update subscription preferences

For all enquiries call 03 9258 6100

7AM - 3PM, MON - FRI