XMAS SHOP AND CELEBRATE “LOCAL” THIS YEAR

Christmas is just around the corner and one of the most significant retail selling times of the year – and lots of customers and dollars through the tills are what our local businesses hope for. Here’s 3 reasons why we should focus on doing the majority of our Christmas  shopping locally in the next few weeks:

*Contribute to our local economy.  Did you know that for every $100 you spend at small businesses in Australia, about $73 of those stay local? This compares to $43, should you spend the same amount of money at big chain and stockholder owned retailers. Small business owners also employ local people and in turn purchase products and services from other local independently owned businesses.

*You get better customer service. Local business owners tend to care not just about making sales but about your overall shopping experience. As they are personally invested in the business and the community, they are committed to ensuring you are well looked after and your expectations are exceeded.

*It feels good. By regularly shopping with our local businesses, you are building a relationship that often extends beyond that of “just a customer”. These social interactions allow for a positive and personalised shopping experience.

Council has sponsored the Portland Business Association for the 2019 Portland Xmas Festival, and the Wallerawang Lidsdale Progress Association who will be Christmas-ing up Wang this year. And lock in this Thursday the 5th of December when Lithgow’s Main Street Christmas event is happening.