The shire’s economic development officer Sara Napier said the Corangamite Retailers Network would allow business people to work together on projects such as Christmas marketing campaigns and training opportunities.

“It will also provide a united and clear voice on challenges or issues confronting the local industry,” Ms Napier said.

“Similar approaches have been taken with the Corangamite Building Industries Group and the 12 Apostles Food Artisans and it’s been really successful.”

The group follows a Connecting Corangamite’s Commerce program which offered workshops and one-on-one training to local retail businesses in the past 12 months which was a joint initiative of the state government and the shire. 

“We had a good response to the program and realised the industry could really benefit from a network which continues to support our local retailers,” Ms Napier said.

She said the main message for retailers was that collaboration could pay off.

“It’s easy to have the mindset that your competitors are a couple of doors down, when your real competitors are online or in the larger regional centres. 

“I’m hoping that our local retailers will embrace this opportunity,” she said. 

The network will be launched on April 16 at 7pm in Camperdown’s Killara Centre.

People wanting to register their interest can contact the shire or visit www.businesscorangamite.com.au