Council urges residents to shop local this Christmas

Redland City Council is encouraging residents to buy local this Christmas through a festive ‘Making Business Bright’ campaign.

Mayor Karen Williams said buying local would provide a much-needed boost for businesses who had experienced another challenging year due to COVID-19.

“With so many fabulous businesses on Redlands Coast it is very easy to support our locals,” she said.

“It will do much to help ensure a bright start to 2022 for our community by supporting local employment and the economy.

“Our retailers offer great value and exceptional service to shoppers, and not just with a wide range of traditional gift ideas.

“This festive season is also the perfect opportunity to support our tourism operators by giving the gift of travel, which will showcase our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast.

“There are plenty of choices for a special gift which will create long-lasting memories as our backyard encompasses everything from bushland, bay and islands.

“I encourage everyone to buy local wherever possible this festive season and help make Christmas brighter for our businesses.”

Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce president Rebecca Young welcomed the campaign as she said local businesses are still feeling the effects of COVID, particularly in the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.

“While masks are now not required and the per sqm rule has eased, businesses will be expected to implement the proposed no jab no entry State Government directive from 17 December,” Ms Young said.

“This puts additional strain on them with staffing and a lack of confidence for people to get out and about at a time that businesses really rely on holiday trade.

“I would encourage all locals to book their Christmas parties locally, buy Christmas gifts locally and think about how you can give a gift in a different way like a gift voucher to a local beauty salon or to experience one of our local restaurants.

“Consumers may opt to shop online rather than getting out into our local economy, but you can still choose local as many of our businesses have adapted in a COVID economy and updated their websites to include a virtual store.

“Keeping our money here helps our small businesses grow, meaning more job opportunities so we can all live, work and play here on Redlands Coast.”