Shop Local this Festive Season

As the Christmas countdown continues, Australians are being reminded to shop local, and 'shop small' over the festive period to help boost the local economy and spirit.

Recent statistics show the nation's small business community is thriving with just over 2.1 million small businesses in 2016 – an increase of 2.4 per cent since 2015.

However, the vast majority of people still head to the big shops to do their shopping.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin commented on the time of year, saying: “many local businesses take risks, make investments and employ more locals in the hope that the upswing in Christmas retail trade makes it possible.

“Christmas is a vital injection of cash and confidence into our community and a chance to help our small businesses employ more local – particularly young people – and keep that money flowing around our local economy.”

The benefit of the Shop Small movement and the investment that flows into small businesses at this time of year is not to be understated.

In what has been termed the ‘Boomerang Dollar’ - what we put into small business largely comes back to the local community.

A report for the Shop Small movement, released in November shows that that 1 in 4 dollars of discretionary household purchases passes through a small shop-front and almost half of this is reinvested into local economies.

“Through your support and the hard work of millions of Aussies and their small businesses, this can be a merry Christmas for local jobs and for our communities,” Mr Pasin said.

Member for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan agreed saying: “I think it is vital that we support the people who support us and local businesses play an important role not only as employers but also very often as significant sponsors of important local community groups.

“When you shop at locally owned stores, the money you spend stays within the community and shopping locally this Christmas will directly benefit you and your community into the future.”