"Buying from South to North" is a website designed to assist hundreds of businesses that have ceased or are struggling to operate due to the war and eviction from settlements on the front lines in the South and North as a result of the "Iron Blades" war.
The project, initiated by Wix, aims to pave the way for these businesses to renew their activities and provide business owners with an incentive to rebuild their stores, restaurants, or studios when the war ends and it is possible to rehabilitate the conflict areas and return to operating in them.
Wix operates the site in collaboration with the agency for small and medium-sized businesses, which has already been launched and is gaining wide distribution through the Economy Ministry, municipalities, refugee shelters, and more. So far, dozens of businesses from the front lines in the South and North have registered (with many more expected to join in the coming days), which until the war erupted prospered and brought income and great pride to their owners.
The "Buying from South to North" site allows business owners on the front lines to sell gift cards for products and services they offer or will offer in the future. All they need to do is go through a simple registration process of the business on the website, which includes details such as the business name, what it offers, a picture, and a logo. Business owners will receive payment for the gift cards sold directly to their business PayPal account, which can also be opened through the site, subject to an additional stage of verification with the credit company, a necessary and important stage to prevent fraud.
At the end of the registration and verification process on the website and in front of the credit company, business owners will be able to manage their gift card sales through their account page on the website, view the cards sold, allow customers to redeem the purchased cards, and update buyers on details such as the store's return date to operation, changing the store's address, or any other detail.
Anyone, company, or entity that wants to support businesses in distress can enter the website "South North Buyers" and choose one or more of the businesses that have joined the initiative, purchase their gift card, and receive purchase confirmation via email. Payment for the gift card will be transferred directly to the business upon purchase. When the business resumes operation, buyers will be able to redeem the gift card directly from the business.
"Personal and Economic Horizon for the People Behind the Businesses"
Sheli Cohen, Business Development Manager of eCommerce at Wix: "The South North Buyers website is a platform that enables businesses and buyers to participate together in the community and business rebuilding efforts following the events of the October fires.
Our initiative looks ahead, to the days and months ahead, outlining a personal and economic horizon for the people behind the businesses. These days, as the spirit of civic giving touches each of us - it is time to act and open our hearts".