A focus on local
Edenvale businessman and avid entrepreneur Harry Karamichael said if residents want to see their favourite local businesses survive following the pandemic, they need to throw their support behind those businesses.
“Each and every one of us has a duty to support businesses and entrepreneurs in our community.”
Edenvale businessman and avid entrepreneur Harry Karamichael said if residents want to see their favourite local businesses survive following the pandemic, they need to throw their support behind those businesses.
Additionally, as owner of the Karaglen SUPERSPAR and Karaglen Shopping Centre, he believes business owners need to be innovative and adaptive with the way they deliver their products and services to the community.
“The impact of the pandemic will be felt for many years to come. We will still see many businesses close their doors. Thankfully, as a community the power to change the future of shopping lies in our hands,” Harry said.
He added that Covid-19 highlighted the need for residents to support the local business community.
“When the pandemic hit, we were forced to be human again, to be part of a community again. We learnt to get by with far less than what we normally would have and we learnt to appreciate the value of connection.
“We also learnt the value of the businesses in our community and the important role each and every one of them play in our lives,” he said.
Harry said many local businesses actively employ locals who, in turn, support their families in the community as well as other local businesses.
“Every community has a delicate commercial ecosystem. When you support local producers, local tradesmen and local entrepreneurs, you help to invest local money back into the local business ecosystem.
“When we build up our local economy through this business ecosystem it positively affects the well-being of residents in the community and increases the value of properties in the area. Local investments mean a better community for all.”
He said when residents choose to support local small businesses they help those businesses become bigger businesses.
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“It is our duty as a community to show our support of businesses in the area and there is no better time than right now to support local businesses. Restaurants especially need support from the community,” Harry said.
He added that many local restaurants have suffered incredible losses during and even after the easing of lockdown regulations.
Harry also encouraged local businesses to adapt to the new normal and to find exciting and innovative ways to do business.
As part of his ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses he launched MyZone.
While MyZone is, in its essence, an online retail mall that offers click-to-collect and local deliveries through Order2Go, the platform will soon also host a space for local entrepreneurs to showcase their wares, free of charge.
“Our local marketplace will be launched soon and will allow residents to browse through an incredible local shopping offering,” he said.
Harry added a number of key local businesses have already opted to join MyZone.
“All vendors are registered and vetted through MyZone to allow for an effortless and safe local online shopping experience.”
He also believes investment in the community goes beyond finance.
“Businesses and organisations need to get involved in initiatives that unify people and cultures such as the Jerusalema challenge.
“Things like the challenge and Heritage Day bring and bond people together and ensures communities can thrive,” Harry said.
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