Festive treats to support local businesses

From re-pressed records to kids’ bike gear and artisan shortbread, local businesses are making it easier for Sydneysiders to shop local and delight family and friends this Christmas.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore urged Sydneysiders to shop local and help retailers recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

“The restrictions required to save lives and prevent another devastating outbreak of Covid-19 have impacted on the livelihoods of many in our community,” the Lord Mayor said.

“To keep us safe and keep people in work, our businesses have adapted to new ways of trading and adopted new business models, but many are still struggling.

“It’s more important than ever that we support local retailers this Christmas, to help them recover from the impact of the pandemic and ensure they’re ready to thrive again in the new year.

“If you’re buying presents this year, please consider shopping local. Every dollar you spend can make a difference to a local business and those in our community who work there.”

Sydneysiders can drop into Record Store on Crown Street in Surry Hills or visit its new online site to score preloved Classic Rock, EDM and Hip Hop to squeeze into the stocking.

When the pandemic hit, business owner Stephan Gyory used a City of Sydney grant to activate his e-commerce site and keep people in work.

“I was able to give people work which is important. You don’t feel it unless it happens to you - they were despondent,” Gyory said. “The carpet pulled out from under their feet. And you don’t understand it until your whole industry disappears.”

For a traditional theme with an Aussie twist, locals can pick up bush fingerlime shortbread at Little Evie in Redfern.

The cafe created a mini grocery store of Australian-made products when they had to limit their indoor seating due to Covid-19.

Sabrina Domenis, manager, said: “The grant really helped us get through. When the closures came, we were hit hard. We had to close our dine-in function overnight. Now we’ve got an addition to our business model, and our customers couldn’t be happier!”

For gifts for more active friends, locals will discover a canvas bike bag from Alexandria’s Omafiets is just a ride or a click away.

Omafiets survived 2020 using a City of Sydney grant to adapt their business model and redevelop its website. Since it launched, the new website has helped attract more customers.

Owner Chris Moore said visitors to the new website in the last week generated 20 per cent of the company’s sales.

“Switching it to an entirely new platform means it’s much easier for the user to navigate. People are not only buying bikes, they’re finding other items of interest like our hand sewn canvas bags and accessories.”

As well as support small businesses, the Lord Mayor reminded people to get out and about and enjoy their local area this festive season.

“Every Wednesday to Sunday from 2 to 24 December there’s daytime and evening entertainment across the city and our villages – I encourage you to bring family and friends, enjoy the free entertainment and spend some time in our wonderful city.”

Pop-up music performances will take place at Union Square, Pyrmont; Taylor Square, Darlinghurst; Fitzroy Gardens, Kings Cross; HJ Foley Rest Park, Glebe; and the amphitheatre at Green Square Library.

Using the sydneyculturewalksapp.com visitors can discover all the amazing Christmas trees, lights and decorations on foot. The app is suitable for the entire family.

Watch Santa visit some of our local stores here news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/videos/santas-sydney-shopping-spree

In planning our events, the City of Sydney continues to follow NSW Government public health orders.

For more information about the City of Sydney’s Christmas program, visit whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For media inquiries or images, contact Diana Kosanovic Phone 0477 362 550 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Paul Mackay Phone 0436 816 604 or email [email protected]