MORE people are supporting local businesses and producers according to a recent university survey.
Monash University’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies’ Pulse Survey aimed to assess the cost-of-living sentiment and changes in purchasing behaviour.
It found that 35 per cent of respondents are now actively seeking locally produced products, marking an increase compared to the previous year.
Additionally, 30 per cent of participants reported an increased focus on purchasing environmentally friendly products.
Lead author, Dr Eloise Zoppos, said the findings were “heartening”.
“Coming out of ‘Australian Made Week’, it’s heartening to see more Australian shoppers wanting to shop for products that are locally produced,” she said.
This shift in consumer behavior has been observed over several years and has gained momentum during the pandemic as Australians became more conscious of their shopping habits.
