Shoppers urged to buy locally
SHOPPERS say they will be buying locally this Christmas to help push more cash into Australian retailers’ pockets, a new report has found.
Campaigns such as #buyfromthebush have helped encourage shoppers to buy from small businesses dotted all over the country.
The report by accounting software firm MYOB found 64 per cent of Australians regarded these campaigns, linked to the recent bushfires and drought, as encouraging and would result in them buying from Australian retailers. And an overwhelming majority of 91 per cent said they preferred to shop locally.
MYOB’s executive general manager of marketing and sales, Natalie Feehan, said more than 40 per cent of the Australian workforce was employed by small business.
“The fact Australians are conscious of the impact they have on the economy and they are trying to support Australians is really nice,” she said.
“They are thinking about how they can help with local stores and the local economy, especially from #buyfromthebush on Instagram or #gocountryforChristmas, which is a NSW Government initiative.”
Large parts of Australia, particularly in NSW and Queensland, have been badly hit by bushfires and drought in recent months.
Ms Feehan urged shoppers in the final weeks before Christmas to be “conscious and to be thinking about where you are buying from”.
Stylist Georgina Kar said she would finish her Christmas shopping by buying from Australian retailers.
“I always take Australian brands into consideration,” she said.
Ms Kar also said she would be “in and out of the shops pretty quickly” and would be “taking advantage of the extended trading hours”.
Westfield regional brand relationship manager Michelle Clarkson said extended trading hours would begin from Saturday across its 32 locations.
“We’ve extended trading hours from December 14 right through until Christmas Eve,” she said.
“We’ve got things like gift wrapping available, and rest and revive stations, and also taking into account fresh food collections.”
Ms Clarkson said for the final few days its centres would be open earlier for customers who had “preordered their ham or fruit and seafood so it’s easier to whiz in and grab things before work”.
Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman urged shoppers to look for “unique products” when filling Christmas stockings.
“Look for things that aren’t necessarily in city locations, purchase them and buy locally as much as you can,” he said.
“Even if you are buying from a big retailer in Australia you are supporting jobs and growth within the Australian retail industry.”