THERE IS SO MUCH TO OFFER IN STORE
TOWNSVILLE retailers t il are h hopeful of a strong Christmas shopping period despite a tight local economy.
And the Chamber of Commerce has one message to local residents: “Buy local and you could save a business from going bust.”
Townsville Chamber of Commerce board member Michael Kopittke said the pre and postChristmas shopping period was the “make or break” time for many small business retailers.
“If there is ever a time for people to shop locally it is now,” he said. “There have been too many small retailers in Townsville that haven’t made it through this year.”
Mr Kopittke said statistics showed pre and post- Christmas shopping accounted to close to 10 per cent of annual revenue and more than 70 per cent of annual profit.
Townsville retailer Leia Williams, of Elle J at Domain Central, said it had been a “economically tough year for many”.
“But we are feeling confident and positive about the pre and postChristmas shopping period,” she said. “We have already had many organised shoppers buy up for their family’s Christmas stockings. It has been a solid month for us and we can only hope that will continue through December and January to get us through the quiet months after January.”
Townsville Chamber deputy president Michele Falconieri said every dollar spent exchanged hands about 13 times. “If local shoppers consider how their hard- earned dollars can make a difference for our local retailers this Christmas, we all stand to benefit in this and every new year to come.”
BETTINA WARBURTON