Retailers need support Amazon a shop killer

TOWNSVILLE Chamber of Commerce is calling on the major political parties to support small retailers with the arrival of Amazon Australia.

The global online retailer is set to be launched any day now.

Chamber board member Michael Kopittke said the launch of Amazon Australia could mean the death knell for some small retailers.

“What we need is a commitment from the political parties that they will support the small business retailer to navigate their way through Amazon Australia and beyond,” Mr Kopittke said.

“We would like to see support for small business to overcome one of the biggest game changers in the retail sector.”

He said the chamber would like to the see political parties commit to providing small business digital support and training. Townsville retailers were already struggling.

“We have specific needs in Townsville,” he said. “You only have to drive along Charters Towers Rd and see 40 per cent of all commercial properties, shopfronts empty.

“We need to address it and get a commitment behind it. The city can’t afford to lose any more small businesses.”

Townsville small business owner Leia Williams, of Elle J Boutique at Domain Central, said it was difficult to tell what impact Amazon Australia would have in the local market.

“There’s no doubt the economy is tough in Townsville at the moment,” she said. “Making sure a business can compete with Amazon and other online retail giants is important. Marketing the authentic face- to- face shopping experience is crucial for retailers as that is something the online giants just can’t provide.”

An LNP spokesman said the party was backing Queensland businesses with its “Buy Local Price Match Guarantee”.

“Our commitment to small business can be seen in the fact that we launched a 10- year plan to reduce payroll tax on the first day of the election campaign,” he said.

A Labor spokesman said the party would engage with key stakeholders to ensure small businesses were supported as economies adapt.