As Australians prepare to spend around $50 billion in the lead-up to Christmas Day, Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has urged residents across Western and Far West New South Wales to shop small in their local communities.
“The coming month is when many local businesses take risks, make investments and employ more locals in the hope that the upswing in Christmas retail trade makes it possible,” Mr Coulton said.
“From the many local stores which have unique gifts and must-haves for family, friends and loved ones to small businesses which sell the groceries necessary for the festive season, there is very little that our local small businesses don’t sell.”
Mr Coulton said many small businesses within the Parkes electorate employ more young people and those looking for casual work during the Christmas season.
“Christmas is a vital injection of cash and confidence into our community and a chance to help our small businesses employ more local – particularly young people – and keep that money flowing around our local economy,” Mr Coulton said.
Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack is challenging all Australians this Christmas to think local and shop small.
“Through your support and the hard work of millions of Aussies and their small businesses, this can be a merry Christmas for local jobs and for our communities,” Mr McCormack said.
There are only 27 days until Christmas Day 2016.