Shopping Local is more important than ever.
Many families are feeling the pinch and tightening their belts – and that often means keeping a careful watch on spending.
The flow-on effects to small business can be disastrous.
As a former small business owner, I know how hard it is to compete with the supermarkets and major shopping centres.
Beaconsfield and Upper Beaconsfield are lucky to have a vibrant and diverse set of local shops – from a specialty cake store with a huge range of supplies, an Organics store that attracts health-conscious people from far and wide, to a dedicated fishmonger.
We’ve got the family-run hardware store, a great greengrocer, gift shops, antique stores and a wealth of cafes and restaurants. These businesses are all unique, and they all offer so much more than friendly service.
They employ local people, and are for the most part owned by local people. These are people that send their kids to local schools, use the local vet, play at the local tennis club – you get the idea.
When you shop local, you are supporting a local person and investing your money in your own community.
When you shop at a major chain, you may find products a few cents cheaper, but your money is probably heading off to line the coffers of an International conglomerate.
By all means, spend wisely. Every dollar counts. By spending money in our community, you are doing your bit to support our local businesses and ensure we keep the unique mix of shops and services that help make our community such a great place to live.
Brad Batttin MP
State Member for Gembrook
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Shadow Minister for Environment
