Community leaders list off the best reasons to support locally this Christmas
By Kirra Livingstone
WITH just weeks to Christmas, local leaders are urging residents to “love local” and shop more within their community as businesses grapple with rising costs and competition from online retailers.
Residents are encouraged to support their local community retailers by choosing to shop locally for their Christmas gifts, and back the businesses that employ, spend and drive the local economy.
Maleny Chamber of Commerce president Spencer Shaw said local stores offer plenty of unique options for gifts and urged the community to “spend across our neighborhood.”
“When it comes to Christmas gifts and buying local, why would you go anywhere else?” Mr Shaw said. “We’ve got galleries, bookstores, fashion retailers, gourmet goodies, and so much more along Maleny’s main street.
“If you can’t make a decision or are buying gifts remotely, then check our businesses for gift cards.” The Maleny Chamber is hosting its annual Christmas Street Party on December 13 to showcase local businesses and community groups.
Mr Shaw added it’s not just about shopping local, but it’s also about enjoying the businesses. “Shopping local creates local jobs, and a healthy business community is at the heart of every good town,” he said.
“Luckily, we have so many great community oriented businesses in Maleny which helps to bring a bit of magic to our little town and makes it such a great place to live.”
Glasshouse Chamber of Commerce president Tamara Hazelden said every dollar spent locally matters.
“There are financial pressures for many families, but every $5 or $10 spent locally helps,” Ms Hazelden said.
“It supports the longterm growth of a business and keeps our community strong.” She suggested local gift ideas including restaurant vouchers, boutique gift cards, and experience packages such as spa days, workshops, and fitness sessions.
“You can get restaurant or cafe vouchers for someone who loves dining out, and there are so many great local spots to choose from,” she said.
“Retail gift cards for those who enjoy fashion, homewares, or unique finds, local boutiques, our kitchen store, news agencies and chemists are perfect for this.
“Experience vouchers like nail salons, an agricultural tours or even a local horse riding camps or tickets to a fun event; something memorable always makes a great gift .”
Mrs Hazelden added for kids and teenagers, one can purchase gift cards locally for fun activities, experiences or retail.
“Some of my personal favourites I include for my family and friends are local experiences with creative business owners like, sip and paints, candle making or bespoke crafty experiences, healing sessions and CrossFit sessions,” Ms Hazelden said.
“Not only do these support local entrepreneurs, but they also offer gifts with a personal touch that you can’t always find online.”
The call to shop local comes as popular businesses like Simpson Street’s Vianta café and That Little Dress Shop announce closures.
Rising rent and declining sales are forcing many small retailers to shut their doors.
Local leaders are calling on residents to prioritise community businesses this festive season to help keep our hinterland towns thriving.
Glass House MP, Andrew Powell, warned that small businesses rely on the Christmas season to sustain them through quiet periods.
“If you don’t use them, you risk losing them,” he said.
Mr Powell added his family is full of avid readers, so he will be stocking up on gifts at Rosetta Books in Maleny.
“Local businesses are the lifeblood of small and medium sized communities like those we have in the Glass House electorate,” he said.
Division 5 councillor, Winston Johnston, said it was important to shop local to avoid the risk of businesses closing, negatively impacting the economy.
“Local businesses are the major supporters of all our community organisations and when they close, the ability of those organisations to help the community either diminishes or disappears,” he said.
“All our Christmas shopping will be done in towns within Division 5.” Division 1 councillor, Jenny Broderick, said there are many wonderful businesses to shop at this Christmas.
“Whether it be beautiful pots, gardening supplies, plants, kitchen gifts, locally made products or restaurant vouchers.
“It’s so important to support our local ‘mum and dad’ businesses this Christmas.” Business owner Billie Glover, closing That Little Dress Shop on December 22, said online competition and interest rate hikes have hurt sales.
“People are shopping online, and small businesses can’t compete with platforms like Temu and Amazon,” she said. Caloundra MP Kendall Morton was also contacted for comment.
