Festive season a chance to support local business

An extra 91 new jobs could be created across the Redcliffe Peninsula if just half of all households spend an extra $100 with local businesses instead of multinationals during the festive season.

Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Brad Flynn says the move will also generate more than $2.3 million in additional revenue.

Using 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics data, Brad calculates that diverting $100 from half the 47,417 households across the Redcliffe Peninsula, Rothwell, Deception Bay, North Lakes, Mango Hill and Griffin to local businesses will deliver a significant boost for the local economy.

Brad says spending locally generates jobs for local people, who in turn spend locally, creating even more jobs.

Rebuilding businesses

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO Shane Newcombe says many businesses have experienced a difficult year due to COVID-19 and spending locally is a great opportunity to help the community rebuild.

“Christmas is a great opportunity to support the region’s vibrant retail community and our tourism operators,” Mr Newcombe says.

“Spending locally supports locals and the future of the region as a whole.”

Supporting families

Tarsha Burke, who owns clothing, homewares and jewellery shop Capital Blue at Redcliffe, says spending locally supports families.

“Most (retailers) live around the peninsula and we employ people who live locally as well,” Tarsha says.

“We do our grocery shopping here; I get my car fixed here and we can refer people to other local businesses – it keeps that flow going in the local community.”

Katie Naprasnik, who owns Redcliffe boutique Orange Sherbet, has watched the area bloom since she opened 14 years ago.

“People are getting to know they don’t have to leave the peninsula – they can buy locally from smaller stores,” Katie says.

“There are so many beautiful boutiques, they can get almost all their Christmas shopping done here.”

Personal touch

Katie and Tarsha say another advantage of purchasing from smaller outlets is that the owners have the freedom to choose their own stock and can tailor their offering.

“We know our customers, so we can buy with them in mind,” Katie says.

“We also stock things that have a backstory and customers love hearing about that and supporting those businesses.

“When you buy a gift it’s nice to have something with a story, that’s meaningful.”

Read more about local businesses here.