Gogoko, established in Tolosa in 2019 with the aim of promoting local commerce, has broadened its reach. Previously offering purchases from local shops, it has now incorporated several establishments from Ibarra. This expansion allows residents of Tolosaldea to also order products from shops in Ibarra.
The service operates simply: customers place their orders via WhatsApp in the morning. Subsequently, Maialen, the service's mascot, handles purchasing the products, packaging them, and delivering them to the customer's home. If the products are fresh and the customer resides in Tolosaldea, the order is delivered the same afternoon; otherwise, deliveries are made throughout the peninsula within 24 to 48 hours.
“"The service aims to respond to an everyday situation: due to lack of time or convenience, we often shop in a hurry. Gogoko makes this easier and, at the same time, helps sustain local trade."
Igor Zapirain, the mayor of Ibarra, highlighted that the service helps sustain local commerce without losing the traditional way of shopping in local stores. The managers of Gogoko also emphasized its role as a tool to keep local shops, merchants' work, and community relationships alive.
Aitor Agirresarobe, councilor for Economic Development, Employment, Commerce, Tourism, and Fairs at the Tolosa City Council, stressed the importance of local commerce: 'Having the shutters open gives life to the towns.' He added that new strategies and tools are needed to adapt to changing consumption habits, and Gogoko serves as an example.
To publicize this service update, Gogoko launched a promotional video two weeks ago. Miren Amondarain, a merchant from Ibarra, explained that the video humorously addresses the historical rivalry between the two towns, aiming to convey that the local commercial network is stronger when Tolosa and Ibarra are united.
Furthermore, merchants from both towns have initiated various activities to communicate the importance of local commerce to children. These include the launch of the children's book 'Maialen's Adventures' and a character effigy. The book, aimed at children aged 5 to 8, narrates Maialen's shopping experiences in Tolosa and Ibarra, emphasizing the relationship between shopkeepers and citizens. It was created by Chroma Estudio and illustrated by Deiff MG.
The book is available for purchase physically at the Tolosa&Co building (Pedro Tolosa Pasealekua, 2) or can be ordered for home delivery through the Gogoko service for 5 euros. Storyteller Garazi Urkola has shared the story with children in schools.
Additionally, the effigy of Maialen, crafted by artisan Txus Garcia from Beasain, has been presented. This character will now occasionally appear in the streets of Tolosa and Ibarra.
“"Our children are the future of vibrant towns; therefore, it is important for them to understand from a young age the value of shopping in small towns. It's not just about acquiring a product, but about giving life to the town."
Jaione Ormazabal, a merchant from Tolosa, emphasized the need to focus on the future and on children, as they are the future of vibrant towns. They aim to teach them the importance of supporting their local shops, so they learn from an early age the value of buying locally and how it contributes to the town's vitality.
