General News
9 December, 2023
Help save our shops - a Christmas plea
Retailers across the Wimmera are hoping for one Christmas present above all else - enough customers to keep them trading through the long summer holidays.
Business ambassador for the region Mark Clyne said it was vital to shop locally to help independent traders survive.
“If you want these businesses to be there in the future, then we need to support them this Christmas and into next year,” said Mr Clyne, chair of West Vic Business lobby group.
“The shops are stocked with items for Christmas and - with community support - these shops will still be there next year.”
The key, though, is locking in that community support.
Mr Clyne said face-to-face shopping ultimately helped secure jobs for local people, and helped businesses continue to play their vital role in supporting community events and sporting teams.
“It might cost a little more to buy locally but it’s a sound investment and keeps the wheels turning,” he said.
Warracknabeal Pharmacy manager Georgina Powell said every business needed supporting, and that it was important people shop local this season instead of going online or to larger towns.
"It’s not just us, it’s all of our local traders,” Ms Powell said.
“It’s been a pretty quiet year, and we would definitely like things to pick up for Christmas.
“If you don’t support local, there is a chance (in the future) you won’t have them.”
Warracknabeal Pharmacy manager Georgina Powell also stressed it wasn't just about helping businesses make money, but supporting all members of the local community.
"When you shop at the pharmacy, you aren't only ensuring the future of a local business, but you are also making sure their 14 employees also have a bright Christmas.
"We're here, we can help people, we can do gift wrapping, we can make suggestions, and if we don't have something, ask us and we might be able to get it in.”
Horsham councillor Les Power echoed the sentiments when he appealed to residents at the recent council meeting.
Cr Power spoke passionately on the positives of doing business in Horsham, urging people to "think wisely" about their shopping habits.
"Our visitor spend and our local spend is going down, not up, where it should be going," he said, after reporting poor local trade figures for the last quarter.
He urged residents to continue to shop locally through January - and into the first few weeks of next year.
“Before Christmas it’s usually a big spend-up around Horsham and then we come to January and Horsham’s dead,” Cr Power said.
“Let’s have a good Christmas, but spend our money here in Horsham over Christmas, and then go out and support businesses in January to keep them up and going.”
Dylan Fulton, who runs giftware store "SHOPTHIS Horsham" in Horsham Plaza, knows only too well the pressure of trading in the current climate.
He sold agricultural parts before going into business, but he has seen the gradual decline in independent local traders.
"People would be staggered at the drop in number," he said.
"If we keep going like this, every business will be part of a multi-national group with prices to match to prop up the pockets of the shareholders.
"Costs for small business are rising but we can't raise our prices."
The shop local catch cry is growing louder across the region.
Chan Uoy, who operates Dimboola Imaginarium in the town's restored 1909 National Bank of Australia building, said: "In our case, when you shop local with us, you are supporting your heritage.
"But when you shop online, buying from a big corporation, you are not helping your community revitalise."
Amanda Sluggett has operated Mallee Magic in Rainbow for 20 years.
She accepts that small towns can't provide for everyone's needs, but is immensely grateful to those who support her shop.
“The community is so friendly, and I know they try their best to support the businesses," she said.
"They do support local. They do what they can to keep what businesses they have left in town."
At Horsham Plaza, Mr Fulton warns shoppers they must support local businesses or they will disappear.