SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) would like to let community and business owners know about the availability of Spendmapp, an innovative tool that can provide unique data insights to understand spending habits in the Shire.

This initiative is aimed at supporting local businesses by equipping them with information to support their marketing and promotion campaigns.

What is Spendmapp?

Spendmapp is a powerful data analytics tool that has offered real-time insights into consumer spending habits across various sectors.

By understanding customer preferences and spending patterns, businesses can make informed, data-driven decisions that optimize marketing strategies, enhance inventory management, and identify opportunities for growth.

SGSC wellbeing, planning and regulation director, Rory Neeson, encouraged business owners to get in touch with council to utilise this tool.

“By leveraging the data insights from Spendmapp, businesses in the Southern Grampians Shire can enhance their planning, boost their competitive edge, and ultimately contribute to the economic vitality of our region,” Mr Neeson said.

How Spendmapp can benefit your business understanding consumer behaviour:

Spendmapp has provided detailed insights into where and how consumers have spent their money.

For example, in May 2024, visitors to Hamilton increased their spending on dining and entertainment by 19 per cent, equating to $89,361 compared to May 2023.

This type of information has allowed businesses to tailor their offerings to meet current consumer demands.

Optimising marketing strategies:

By identifying peak spending periods for specific products or services, businesses can align their marketing efforts to maximise impact.

For instance, the second largest trading day in 2023 was Black Friday, when $1.1 million was spent, with $350,000 coming from visitors outside the Shire.

This data can help businesses plan their promotional activities for maximum effect.

Enhancing market performance tracking:

Spendmapp has offered a comprehensive view of spending in retail areas, enabling community and business owners to make informed decisions on inventory, pricing, and new offerings.

It has also helped to benchmark performance against local trends and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

Planning for Expansion:

For those considering expanding their business, Spendmapp has provided crucial data to assist in choosing the best new locations.

By analysing spending patterns in different areas, it has been possible to find the optimal sites for new stores or services.

Get Started with Spendmapp:

SGSC have encouraged all local businesses to take advantage of this valuable resource.

For more information on how Spendmapp can help businesses, please contact the SGSC’s Economic Development team at ecodev@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au