Media release – TSBC, 23 November 2023
For All Tasmania’s Sake-Go Local First
Tomorrow, the Christmas sales period gets underway with a vengeance and the Tasmanian Small Business Council has suggested that the best way to think not only of your loved ones who will be getting some lovely gifts but also the Tasmanian economy is to Go Local First.
Robert Mallett, CEO of the TSBC said that ‘your first thought after considering buying anything, anytime, should be “is it available locally”? If the answer is yes, give the local opportunity first option.
‘Consumers have become very attuned to picking up a device and ordering there and then but if COVID taught us anything it is that when we support each other and our local community, we all benefit.
‘The Tasmanian economy shone during those challenging periods, but it shouldn’t be crisis which makes our first thought to Go Local, it should be a natural and instinctive process to see if “the bloke down the road has any” before we consider suppliers, continents away.
‘The Christmas shopping period has been redefined in recent years with the advent of “Black Friday’ and Cyber Monday” sales and the visual spectacle which is our major town centre’s pageants, all getting underway in these last couple of weeks in November.
‘Going Local First is not a badgering call to Buy Local. Locals still have to have the item, they still have to provide the service and yes, it does need to fit in our budget, but if those stars align, make a purchase. If not, don’t throw your hands in the air and say it is all too hard, look a little further afield.
‘Going local first does not restrict your purchase to visiting a bricks and mortar venue. Many of Tasmania’s finest producers have an online presence and that should be used when possible.
‘This Christmas (and beyond), no matter what you are looking for, Go Local First.
